Ferrari 'Shrugged Shoulders' at Hamilton's Simulator Snub, Says Smedley

Lewis Hamilton's choice to abandon simulator preparation has left some at Ferrari nonplussed, according to former race engineer Rob Smedley. After asking around the Maranello garage, Smedley said he was met with “shrugged shoulders” when he inquired about the seven-time champion's unusual approach. Hamilton now has two podiums this season — both on weekends he skipped sim work.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's decision challenges the modern Formula 1 dogma that simulators are essential for driver preparation. If his success continues without them, it could prompt other veterans — and even younger drivers — to reconsider how they spend their pre-race time. For Ferrari, already under pressure to deliver, having a driver who thrives by trusting his instincts over data could either be a strength or a source of tension.

The details:

• Rob Smedley, former Ferrari engineer to Felipe Massa, revealed on the High Performance Podcast that he spoke to several team members about Hamilton's simulator boycott: “He refused to go and do his work on the simulator in Canada... he thinks the simulator was dragging him in directions he didn't like.”
• Hamilton's first podium of 2026 came in Shanghai, the first race he skipped sim time. He repeated the feat in Montreal, his second top-three finish since joining Ferrari.
• Hamilton explained after Canada: “All the championships before, except for probably 2008, I didn't use a sim. It's not a necessity... I'm old school. I'm probably better without it.”
• However, Hamilton added that the simulator remains useful for post-race data correlation to identify car limitations — just not as a preparation tool.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's stance is a gamble that prioritizes feel over simulation. By refusing to let the virtual world influence his driving, he retains a pure connection to the SF-25. The two podiums are a small sample, but they validate his belief. For a team like Ferrari that has invested heavily in simulator technology, it's a subtle reminder that driver psychology and adaptability still matter as much as the latest tech.

What's next:

Hamilton plans to keep using the real car for feedback but will likely continue to avoid sim sessions ahead of race weekends. If his form holds, expect more drivers to question whether simulator time is truly mandatory.