Oscar Piastri explains 'generation' difference after Lewis Hamilton pledge

Oscar Piastri has defended the use of F1 simulators, stating it is a “useful” tool to prepare for a grand prix weekend.

His comment comes as Lewis Hamilton insisted earlier this year that he would not use the simulator after feeling it “misled” him.

F1 drivers and teams have simulators in their factories to gather data ahead of every race weekend, with some full-time drivers electing to do the running to get an eye in.

Piastri insisted he finds it a helpful way to prepare, but acknowledged there is a generational difference between himself and seven-time champion Hamilton.

“I find it useful,” Piastri told media including RacingNews365. “I've also grown up in a different generation to what Lewis would have grown up in. 

“Obviously, simulators have been around for a long time now, but I get they're not for everyone. 

“With the current cars, they are very complicated, and I find that having some simulator running is quite useful, both for myself and the team.”

However, Piastri admitted that the learnings from the simulator will not come close to what can be experienced behind the wheel.

“But everyone's different,” he said. “They're never going to be perfect. 

“They're never going to be the bulletproof tool, and they're never going to be as good as driving the real car. 

“You work with the tools you've got, or you don't, if you think that's better for you.”