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The Silent Work: How F1 Simulator and Reserve Drivers Support Development
Williams simulator driver Victor Martins and Aston Martin third driver Jak Crawford offer a look at the hidden demands and indirect influence of non-racing roles in Formula 1.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-08-10T13:33:48.000Z - 2 min read
Life away from the starting grid in Formula 1 involves a complex blend of constant simulation work, technical evaluation, and pit wall observation. While race drivers command the spotlight on Sunday afternoons, team development programs depend heavily on reserve and simulator personnel working behind the scenes to help steer car setup and long-term engineering progress.
At Williams, simulator driver Victor Martins has been immersed in that precise process. Working inside the team's virtual environment, his focus remains on providing feedback that engineers can turn into usable track performance. Yet Martins stays realistic about how much credit any individual can claim when evaluating the trajectory of a modern Grand Prix car.
Asked to quantify the level of influence he exerts over the car, Martins offered a grounded perspective on the process. He acknowledged that while he actively contributes to development work, describing his impact as direct does not capture the collaborative nature of Formula 1 engineering, where multiple departments constantly analyze data to find incremental gains.
According to Martins, the sheer volume of personnel involved means that ideas and evaluation work are continually filtered through various technical groups. A simulator driver provides essential input during testing sessions, but those findings must align with aerodynamic data, design priorities, and vehicle dynamics before any physical change reaches the circuit.
A similar dynamic exists trackside for Jak Crawford in his role as third driver for Aston Martin Racing. Crawford maintains a busy agenda during Grand Prix events, assisting the squad through technical meetings and operational duties. However, his weekend routine shifts dramatically once pre-race preparation concludes and competitive sessions begin.
Watching from the pit lane when the green flag drops presents a unique test for any driver accustomed to competing. For Crawford, remaining embedded with Aston Martin requires balancing active operational support with the quiet frustration of observing the race unfold from the garage while fellow drivers fight for position on track.
Ultimately, the experiences of Martins and Crawford show the multi-layered structure of modern Grand Prix teams. As simulator technology and trackside operations grow increasingly complex, non-racing driver roles remain vital to car development, even if the drivers fulfilling those duties must observe the main event from the sidelines.