Charles Leclerc Stands Firm on Ferrari Preparation Despite Lewis Hamilton’s D… read more 👇 full details in the commentsÂ
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has made it clear that he has no intention of changing the way he prepares for Formula 1 race weekends, despite team-mate Lewis Hamilton recently revealing that he has stepped away from using Ferrari’s simulator.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari as a seven-time world champion, explained during the Canadian Grand Prix that he had decided to reduce his reliance on simulator sessions. According to the British driver, the simulator often failed to accurately reflect the behavior of the car once he arrived at the circuit.
Hamilton admitted that while extensive simulator work can help drivers find a setup that feels comfortable, the reality on track can sometimes be completely different. He explained that many of the adjustments and driving techniques developed in the simulator often need to be changed once practice sessions begin. As a result, he felt that the process could be inconsistent and occasionally frustrating.
The veteran driver revealed that instead of spending time in the simulator, he chose to focus more heavily on analyzing performance data with Ferrari engineers. This included detailed studies of the car’s balance through corners, braking characteristics, mechanical grip, and setup options. Hamilton believes this alternative approach has helped him improve communication with his engineering team and better understand areas where he has struggled throughout the season, particularly braking performance.
However, Leclerc has a very different view of the simulator and remains fully committed to using it as a key part of his preparation.
Speaking ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, the Monegasque star was asked whether Hamilton’s decision had influenced his own approach. Leclerc responded by emphasizing that every driver has unique preferences and methods for getting ready for races.
The Ferrari driver explained that Hamilton’s choice does not affect him in any way. He pointed out that the simulator has been an important and successful tool throughout his Formula 1 career and that he sees no reason to abandon something that has consistently delivered positive results.
Leclerc noted that he has relied on simulator work since entering Formula 1 and considers it one of the most valuable resources available to drivers and teams. Because of its effectiveness, he believes changing his routine simply because another driver has adopted a different strategy would make little sense.
The 2026 season has shown that Ferrari drivers can achieve strong results while using different preparation methods. While Hamilton has focused more on engineering analysis and data review, Leclerc continues to spend considerable time testing ideas and setups in the simulator before race weekends.
According to Leclerc, simulator sessions also play a major role in Ferrari’s car development programme. Engineers frequently evaluate potential setup changes and performance improvements virtually before introducing them to the real car. This process allows the team to gather valuable information and make informed decisions before arriving at a race circuit.
For Leclerc, that contribution alone makes simulator work indispensable. He believes it remains a highly effective tool not only for his own driving preparation but also for helping Ferrari improve the car over the course of the season.
The contrast between the two Ferrari team-mates highlights how individual Formula 1 drivers often have different ways of extracting performance. What works perfectly for one driver may not necessarily suit another, even within the same team and using the same machinery.
While Hamilton secured an impressive second-place finish in Monaco and Leclerc’s race ended in disappointment after a crash, the Ferrari pair continue to approach their race preparation in different ways. Despite the contrasting philosophies, Leclerc remains convinced that the simulator is essential to his success and insists he will continue using it.
As Ferrari pushes to remain competitive in the championship battle, both drivers will rely on the methods they trust most. For Leclerc, that means staying committed to a preparation system that has served him well throughout his Formula 1 career, regardless of Hamilton’s preferences.