Oscar Piastri defends F1 simulator use against Lewis Hamilton

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri said that Formula 1 simulators are a valuable tool for preparing race weekends, especially with the increased technical complexity of the cars introduced for the 2026 season. He explained that his generation grew up with the technology and that the simulators help both him and the team to set up the car and study circuits before on‑track sessions.

Piastri contrasted his view with seven‑time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has recently claimed that simulators can be misleading and that he prefers to rely on on‑track data alone. The Australian driver acknowledged that simulators are not suitable for every driver, but maintains that they remain useful for most, highlighting a clear generational divide in preparation approaches within Formula 1.