Toto Wolff explains how F1 is changing: “Maybe it doesn’t work for everyone like it does for Verstappen”. Toto Wolff stated that F1 is changing and explains how.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, spoke about the importance of simulator work for F1 and for drivers themselves. The 53-year-old Austrian believes that young people entering motorsport today no longer differentiate between the real and virtual worlds.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it helps them be better prepared for tracks they don’t know and could benefit Max Verstappen given his routine. The Dutchman is known for his passion for sim racing and has participated in numerous events alongside his Team Redline colleagues, including a recent event at Daytona.

Although his late-night virtual racing sessions drew criticism from many in the F1 paddock last year—such as when he competed in a 24-hour virtual race during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend—they have also been considered good practice for drivers.

Toto Wolff’s comments
Now that simulators have become an essential tool in the arsenal of F1 teams, virtual racing is increasingly used as a stepping stone to a motorsport career. When Wolff was asked if this form of practice is something all drivers, not just Max Verstappen, should adopt, he used his son as an example.

He explained: “My son is seven years old. He has a kart simulator at home and races online against others. There are four relevant tracks in Italy. He had never driven on one of them, but he knew it from the simulator.

When we went to race there, he went on track and was immediately the fastest. Then he told me, ‘I know the track.’ I replied, ‘Yes, but only in the simulator.’ And he repeated, ‘I’m telling you, I’ve been there.’”

“What do we conclude? Young people no longer distinguish between reality and the virtual world,” Wolff explained.

Ultimately, Wolff believes that simulator work or virtual racing should be included as part of a broader training program for drivers. However, he acknowledged that many older or more traditional drivers in motorsport, unlike Verstappen, may struggle to adapt or see its benefits.

“The graphics are very realistic now, and young minds work differently,” said the Mercedes team principal. “My son sometimes drives 20 five-minute kart races in a row. It’s all there, from start to crash. They’ve experienced everything.”

“Normally, this type of training should be recommended for all drivers. Older ones might find it a bit harder. And maybe it doesn’t work for everyone like it does for Max [Verstappen],” Toto Wolff concluded.