There are a couple of examples of drivers starting in sims (though not in F1). Verstappen plans to make a GT3 team and promote good sim drivers to actual racing

There are a couple of examples of drivers starting in sims (though not in F1). Verstappen plans to make a GT3 team and promote good sim drivers to actual racing, so he is a good example in that his team may prove or disprove the theory. I really like Hamilton and somewhat dislike Verstappen but I think Hamilton is wrong here. Of course physical practice is better, but surely there are some worthy drivers with access to sims but not karting at a competitive level that may be found by sim racing. Plus one can do both, and plenty of F1 drivers claim sims make them better.