Hamilton Credits Canadian GP Form After Admitting Ferrari Simulator Work May Hinder Him

Lewis Hamilton returned to Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the track where he claimed his first Formula 1 victory, and delivered his strongest result since joining Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion described the Canadian Grand Prix weekend as “awesome,” marking a notable turnaround after a difficult opening stretch with the Scuderia.
Hamilton spent the majority of the Montreal weekend ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, though Leclerc got the better of him during the sprint race on Saturday.
Starting from fifth on the grid for the main grand prix, Hamilton worked his way through the field to secure Ferrari’s best result of his 17-month tenure with the Italian team.
One of the more striking revelations from Hamilton after the race concerned his approach to preparation and the role the Ferrari simulator played in his weekend.
Hamilton suggested that reduced simulator work may have contributed positively to his performance in Canada, a candid admission that raised questions about his usual preparation methods.
He stated that the experience had convinced him he is “probably better without” the Ferrari simulator, a comment that will likely prompt discussion within the Scuderia’s technical and engineering departments.
The result represents a meaningful step forward for Hamilton, who has faced a challenging adaptation period since making his high-profile switch from Mercedes ahead of the 2025 season.
Hamilton and Leclerc have been closely matched at various points this season, but Montreal offered the British driver a clearer opportunity to demonstrate his pace over a full grand prix distance.
The Canadian circuit holds significant personal meaning for Hamilton, given it was the location of his maiden victory in Formula 1, adding an extra dimension to what proved a much-improved weekend.
Ferrari will now look to build on the result as the season moves forward, with Hamilton appearing to have found greater confidence in his setup approach and race execution.
Whether the team adopts any changes to Hamilton’s simulator schedule as a result of his comments remains to be seen, but the driver’s own assessment was clear and direct.
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