Lewis Hamilton says he has no plans to drive Mercedes' 2022 car in the simulator in the near future, given how much it is changing through wind tunnel development and his focus on this year's title fight against Max Verstappen. Several drivers have already tried virtual versions of their new cars, which will feature a 'ground effect' aerodynamic concept, simpler front/rear wings and new tyres, among a host of other changes - all in a bid to improve racing. However, as Hamilton looks to overturn an eight-point deficit to Verstappen, and help Mercedes beat Red Bull to the Constructors' title, he made clear that his focus remains on extracting the most from his 2021 challenger.
"It's been a hard enough workload"
Nonetheless, Hamilton pointed out that he is in "constant contact" with various departments around the team to detail his wishes for the 2022 car. "I haven't driven the car in the sim because I've literally just been focusing on this one - it's been a hard enough workload as it is," Hamilton is quoted by Motorsport.com . "But I'm in constant contact with the team. Even after our races, I'm always talking about, 'This is where our car is right now, and these are the things I want on next year's car, keep an eye out for these things'."
2022 car is constantly evolving
Hamilton added that he prefers to keep up to date with developments through regular meetings with Mercedes chiefs. "When I come away from the races, my big meetings I usually have with [Trackside Engineering Director] Shov [Andrew Shovlin], generally at the end of the week once they've collated all the data," Hamilton continued. "Then I have my meeting with [Race Engineer] Bono [Peter Bonnington], and then one with the team that are working on next year's car, just to get an update on where they are. "Whether it's heavily rearwards aero or forwards aero, what kind of ride heights we can expect, what issues are they anticipating, what challenges are they having and what they anticipate it will be like in the car. "But right now, with the progress it's making in the wind tunnel, there is no point driving the car because it's on a steep learning curve."
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