P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has revealed the new F1 regulations have caused a lack of synergy between the simulator and the car, having taken part in last week’s Barcelona shakedown.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a Formula 1 driver, highlighted the challenges posed by the new regulations that have led to a lack of synergy between simulators and actual cars during the recent Barcelona shakedown.
Antonelli, who will be entering his second season in F1 with Mercedes alongside George Russell, emphasized the adjustments needed for the new technical rules that are set to shake up the sport significantly.
The drivers, including Antonelli, are adapting to the new cars and technical rules this year, with initial feedback indicating a difference between simulator experience and real-life car performance.
Antonelli expressed the need to bring the simulator closer to reality after testing the W17, acknowledging the discrepancies between simulation and actual driving experiences.
The Italian driver praised the 2026 car for feeling more like a racing car, mentioning increased agility, flatter downforce curve, and improved predictability compared to last year’s model.
Overall, Antonelli described the new car as “good fun so far” and discussed various intricacies and differences that make the driving experience more enjoyable and challenging compared to previous seasons.
