Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has weighed in on the growing formative role of simulator work in F1, highlighting how younger drivers seamlessly integrate the virtual world into their real-world performance.
According to Wolff, the younger generation – including four-time world champion Max Verstappen – has an uncanny ability to blend the two realms, which may explain the Red Bull driver’s dedication to sim racing.
The Dutchman, known for his prowess both on the track and in the sim racing world, has been a vocal proponent of virtual training.
While his late-night sim racing escapades during race weekends raised a few eyebrows – imagine trying to focus on a Grand Prix after a virtual 24-hour race – Wolff sees a valuable training tool in this practice.
From Sim to Track: A Case Study from the Wolff Household
Drawing from personal experience, Wolff shared a humorous and slightly bewildering anecdote involving his seven-year-old son.
“My son is seven years old. He has a kart simulator at home. He races against others online,” Wolff explained.
“There are four relevant tracks in Italy. He had never driven on one of them. But he knew it from the simulator.”
©Instagram/SusieWolff
When the young Wolff arrived at one of the real tracks, the results were mind-boggling.
“He goes onto the track and is immediately the fastest. Then he says to me: ‘I know the track.’ I reply: ‘Yes, but only in the simulator.’ He says again: ‘I’m telling you, I’ve been here before.’”
The takeaway? “Young people no longer differentiate between reality and the virtual world,” Wolff mused.
The Simulator’s Growing Role in F1 Training
Wolff also acknowledged that simulator work is an invaluable tool for young drivers and could be a game-changer in training.
“The graphics are now so good and young people’s minds work differently,” added the Mercedes chief.
“My son sometimes drives 20 five-minute kart races in a row. It’s all there, from the start to the crash. They’ve experienced everything.
“Normally, this type of training should be recommended to every driver. The older ones will probably find it a bit more difficult. And maybe it doesn’t work for everyone like it does for Max.”
With graphics advancing and virtual racing becoming increasingly lifelike, Wolff’s observations might explain why Verstappen excels both in the real and sim worlds.
While the younger crowd dives headfirst into the virtual racing realm, some older drivers might still be struggling to figure out how to log in.
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