2009 F1 champion Jenson Button has stated that Lewis Hamilton must continue his simulator work despite his recent concerns.
Hamilton said after the Miami Grand Prix that he planned to step back from simulator duties after believing the work had led him in the wrong direction with his set-up over the weekend.
The seven-time champion endured a difficult event but is hopeful the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, where he shares the record for the most victories, will provide a boost.
Hamilton’s performances this season have nevertheless marked an improvement compared to the difficulties he experienced during the early stages of his Ferrari career in 2025.
“Lewis moving to Ferrari was super exciting last year, it was a really tough year for him,” Button told Sky Sports News.
“As you would expect really, coming from a team that he has been with for a very long time and won multiple world championships with.
“Jumping into a team that is not only different, it’s Italian, your team-mates speak Italian, but you don’t.
“This year, from the word go he seems a lot more confident in himself, a lot more confident in the people he is working with in the team.”
Button, who was team-mates with Hamilton for several seasons at McLaren, admitted that simulator work can sometimes lead a driver astray.
However, he insisted it remains an important part of the job, as it is necessary work away from the race track.
“The last couple of races haven’t been easy for him, and sometimes you can get a little bit lost in the simulator by going down the wrong direction with set-up,” he said.
“You still need to do it though, there’s homework that is needed to be done away from the track.
“I think Lewis will turn up with a lot of confidence in Montreal.
“We want to see Ferrari at the front and we want to see Lewis fighting for wins, especially in Montreal, a circuit he loves so much.”
