Why do F1 teams need simulators? - with Aston Martin's Stoffel Vandoorne

For learning racetracks to testing new car upgrades, simulators are a vital tool for every team in F1. Katie and Christian talk to four sim experts to explain why.

Stoffel Vandoorne, Aston Martin's reserve driver, took a break from a long day in the sim to tell us why they're so useful for racers.

Alpine's Technical Director Matt Harman breaks down how team engineers use them to test new parts and car set-ups.

Motorsport scientist Dr Diandra Leslie-Pelecky explains how simulators work and why they're so realistic.

Plus, a chat with Red Bull Racing Esports star Sebastian Job, who went from winning on video games to working in the real Red Bull F1 simulator, testing race weekend set-ups for Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen.

Check out other episodes of Formula Why. Scroll through the feed or use the links below:

Why are pit-stops so important in F1? with pit-stop performance experts

Why is racing in the rain so difficult? with F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen + Haas race engineer Mark Slade

Why are street circuits the ultimate test? with Mika Hakkinen + former strategist Bernie Collins

Tyres, points + car set-up - Your Questions Answered by F1 experts

Why do F1 drivers need to be so fit? with former F1 driver Alexander Rossi

Why does the USA have 3 F1 races in 2023?

Why is F1 Sprint such a challenge? with Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen

Send your F1 questions to Katie and Christian! Record or write them, and send to Why@F1.com

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For more F1 podcasts, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid and F1 Nation