Hamilton’s Decision to Skip Simulator Work Before Canadian GP Speaks Volumes

After back-to-back sixth places in Suzuka and Miami, Lewis Hamilton is changing his preparation for the Canadian Grand Prix by skipping simulator work – a direct response to his breakthrough podium in China, where he had his best weekend without the sim. The seven-time champion told GPblog he wants to “back away from it for a little bit” but will still attend factory meetings.

Why it matters:

Hamilton’s approach underscores the ongoing narrative that Charles Leclerc is Ferrari’s clear number one. Nelson Piquet Jr. recently claimed Leclerc finishes ahead in about 80% of their races as teammates, a stat backed by their record: across 28 races, Leclerc has nine podiums and one pole, Hamilton just one podium (China). Every strategic move now carries extra weight for the 40-year-old Briton, whose 2026 season started strongly but has since faded.

The details:

• Hamilton will attend factory meetings but no simulator sessions until Montreal, aiming to replicate the feeling that produced his third place in Shanghai.
• Piquet Jr. on the Pelas Pistas podcast: “Leclerc is the No.1 driver, while Hamilton is No.2. Right now, Hamilton finishes behind him in about 80 per cent of the races.” He added that Hamilton is “winding down” his career.
• Head-to-head stats paint a clear picture: Leclerc leads decisively, though Hamilton’s China podium and fourth at Silverstone show flashes of pace. In Miami, a last-lap spin from Leclerc allowed Hamilton to finish ahead.
• While Hamilton’s difficult 2025 adaptation could be excused, 2026 offers less margin for error as he remains behind Leclerc at most venues.

What's next:

The Canadian Grand Prix is a seven-time winner’s paradise. A strong result would silence critics and prove the China podium was not a one-off. Another defeat to Leclerc would reaffirm the hierarchy and invite fresh scrutiny of Hamilton’s place at Ferrari.