Wolff gets personal in Verstappen comparison over drastic F1 shift

Toto Wolff has drawn on personal experience whilst discussing the value of simulator work in F1.

The Mercedes team principal believes young people "no longer differentiate between reality and the virtual world", something that may aid Max Verstappen's training routine.

The Dutchman is known to be a keen sim racer, taking part in numerous events alongside his Team Redline colleagues, including a recent event at Daytona.

Although his late-night antics caught the ire of many in the F1 paddock last year, when he competed in a virtual 24-hour race during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, it has often been considered good practice for drivers.

With simulators now a key tool in the arsenal of F1 teams, virtual racing is being used as a stepping stone to careers in motorsport more and more.

When asked whether that was a form of training all drivers, not merely Verstappen, should be doing, Wolff reflected on his own son's use of a simulator to inform his answer.

"My son is seven years old. He has a kart simulator at home. He races against others online," the 53-year-old told Auto Motor und Sport.

"There are four relevant tracks in Italy. He had never driven on one of them. But he knew it from the simulator.

"Then we took part in a race there. 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.'

"What do we conclude from this? Young people no longer differentiate between reality and the virtual world."

Wolff: Not all drivers can work like Verstappen

Ultimately, Wolff does believe simulator work - or virtual racing - should be included as part if a broader training programme.

However, he did concede that many of the older drivers in motorsport, unlike Verstappen, might struggle to adapt or see the advantage of incorporating it into their regimes.

"The graphics are now so good and young people's minds work differently," the Austrian elaborated.

"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."