How Professional Drivers Use Simulation to Train, Tune, and Compete
By Dr. Lila Sharma, Human–Machine Performance Consultant & Vision Ergonomics Specialist
Published on FOVCalculator.com
Introduction: When the Track Meets the Sim
Sim racing isn’t just a game anymore. For many professional drivers, it’s become:
- A training tool
- A race preparation method
- A rhythm rehearsal system
- A way to study circuit flow and tyre behavior
- Even a competitive outlet
At FOVCalculator.com, we’ve curated insights from top drivers across disciplines to understand what real racers look for in simulation—and how that can elevate your own sim rig.
💬 “Sim racing is about training the same muscles between the ears.”
— Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver
1. Formula 1 & Single-Seater Drivers
Focal Point: Reaction Training & Mental Reps
🗣️ Max Verstappen (Redline Sim Racing Team):
“You don’t just race for fun—you race to push the limit. In a sim, that means the margin is mental.”
- Uses sim racing daily between F1 weekends
- Prioritises laser-accurate FOV and seating position
- Avoids camera assists or artificial movement
- Feedback: “If your brake point is off by a meter, you’re done.”
Optimization Lessons:
✅ Match eye level and seating position with real cockpit
✅ Use a stiff brake pedal setup to train pressure modulation
✅ Calibrate shorter FOV for formula cars (tight cockpits, low seating)
2. GT & Endurance Drivers
Focal Point: Rhythm, Consistency & Strategy Simulation
🗣️ Jimmy Broadbent (British GT4 / Sim Racer-Turned-Pro):
“In the sim, you learn not to chase time. You chase flow.”
- Practises long stints on ACC and rFactor 2
- Values realistic force feedback over visual polish
- Uses triple screen with proper angle and distance
🗣️ Bruno Spengler (DTM Champion):
“Sim racing trains your focus. It teaches you what matters over 2 hours.”
Optimization Lessons:
✅ Dial in linear FFB response—not just heavy feeling
✅ Simulate tyre wear and fuel consumption
✅ Use HUD overlays to replicate real-world dash info
3. Rally & Off-Road Drivers
Focal Point: Visual Flow, Co-Driver Rhythm, and Reaction Time
🗣️ Oliver Solberg (WRC2):
“When I drive in the sim, I shut off the minimap. I listen like I do on stage.”
- Uses Richard Burns Rally with RBRPro for physics realism
- Relies on co-driver audio and memory
- Prefers fixed cockpit view with narrow FOV
Optimization Lessons:
✅ Turn off track maps—use audio pacenotes only
✅ Align camera height with real car view
✅ Practice left-foot braking and weight shift control with analog pedals
4. Sim-to-Real Crossover Drivers
Focal Point: Mental Transfer, Nerve Control, and Adaptability
🗣️ James Baldwin (World’s Fastest Gamer → GT3):
“It’s not about realism—it’s about reference points. Your brain learns them either way.”
- Trained exclusively in sim before first real-world podium
- Values predictable physics, not perfect graphics
- Trains under pressure using ranked online lobbies
Optimization Lessons:
✅ Don’t over-focus on mod visuals—prioritize track familiarity
✅ Practice cold starts and low-grip conditions
✅ Introduce distractions (voice, spotter, stress cues) during practice
5. Vision & Ergonomics Notes from Pro Rigs
In working with multiple pro drivers, the most consistent human factors principles applied in their simulators include:
| Element | Principle |
|---|---|
| FOV | Calculated based on eye distance & screen width |
| Screen Center | Aligned with steering wheel and driver eye height |
| Lighting | Ambient lighting matches track time-of-day (for pupil response) |
| Audio | Use high-fidelity spatial audio for gear, grip, and curb feedback |
| Mental Reps | Sim sessions designed for focus, not just reflexes |
🧠 Professional sim rigs are tuned for consistency, not wow-factor. The goal is muscle memory—not entertainment.
Final Thoughts: Sim Racing Builds the Same Muscles—Just Differently
Sim racing will never replace the G-forces, surface variation, or smell of petrol on race day. But if you listen to the pros, you’ll realise:
✅ It’s still about vision, rhythm, discipline, and confidence
✅ The brain doesn’t care if it’s a sim or real car—it learns the same
✅ What you do with your hardware matters more than what hardware you buy
Whether you’re preparing for a GT4 series or your next online iRacing stint, learning from pro drivers gives you a clearer mirror into your own cockpit.