Max Verstappen regularly climbs into the simulator, not only to train, but also to participate in major virtual events. The Red Bull Racing driver is also very competitive in this regard. But to what extent can racing in simulator make you a better driver? Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who regularly used the simulator in the past, sheds light on this issue.
It is an open secret that Verstappen has an enormous passion for sim racing. Even during race weekends, the Dutchman occasionally takes a seat in the simulator and after his active career, the three-time world champion would like to lead his own team. In the real world, Verstappen strings together victories and can often be found in the simulator during his free weekends. The 26-year-old is almost always busy racing.
Better driver through sim racing?
But do his many hours in the sim also help him become a better driver? Villeneuve says not, although it can be useful in a certain area. ‘It helps with focus because when you’re in a real car it’s easy to concentrate. It happens physically. You have no choice,” the 1997 world champion said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. ‘When you’re sitting at the computer, it’s very easy for your thoughts to wander and think about something else. So in that respect yes,” says Villeneuve.
“But not as far as the driving itself is concerned,” the former Williams driver continues. “There’s a little difference and you really have to separate those two things. The fact that you are good at the simulator does not mean that you will suddenly become good at driving a Formula 1 car. You can pick up some bad habits, but sim racing and driving on a real track are not one hundred percent the same,” said Villeneuve.
