Liam Lawson has a unique perspective on the impact of sim racing on professional motorsport. His insights shed light on how the virtual world is increasingly converging with the physical demands of real-world racing.
Lawson’s experience with sim racing is personal and profound. He recalls a track day in New Zealand with a friend who had only done Esports.
To his amazement, his friend exhibited a natural feel for the car’s dynamics, skills honed entirely through sim racing.
This firsthand encounter highlighted the significant potential of virtual racing to develop real-world driving skills.
Balancing Sim Racing and Traditional Routes
Despite this, Lawson believes that while sim racing will produce more drivers capable of transitioning to real-world racing, it will not surpass traditional routes like go-karting. He explains that real-world racing will always be an essential part of the sport.
However, the skills and insights gained from sim racing are invaluable, particularly given the limited opportunities for on-track testing outside of race weekends.
Advice for New Generations
For aspiring drivers, Lawson advises focusing on self-belief and perseverance, especially when facing skepticism. His journey from New Zealand to the global stage of Formula 1 exemplifies the importance of determination and resilience.
Let’s remember that Verstappen is also one of the best sim racers in the world: Beyond the confines of traditional racing, Verstappen’s passion for competition extends into the digital realm of sim racing.
As technology continues to advance, the lines between virtual and real-world racing will likely become even more intertwined, creating new opportunities for the next generation of drivers.
You can watch the full interview with Liam Lawson in the following video.
See you on the track!
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