Liam Lawson regrets that Formula 1 has become restrictive on testing for test and reserve drivers. The RB F1 resident, however, knows that this is why he is part of a generation that uses simulators as the main preparation tools.
“I think you can't test a lot. I know a few years ago you could test pretty much whenever you wanted, there were test cars.” Lawson said. “Although that would be really cool. That's not how sport is now. That's why the preparation is done with data and especially in a simulator.”
The New Zealander explains how working in the simulator is responsible for the professionalization of pilots, but also how it plays a role in tightening the hierarchy.
“Each team has their own simulator that they develop and try to work with. It's about being as realistic as possible. We spend time, as a reserve driver, from F3 and F2, to discover Formula 1 work and prepare for F1 races.”
“That's why with the access we have now, it gets tighter every year. That's why it becomes easier, or more accessible to get started. It's still a challenge, well It's very different. It's just the work that goes on behind the scenes, which a lot of people don't see.”
