The issue isn't how you felt, it is what kind of behavior you learned in the simulation context which would transfer to what you did on the real track. Doubtless your intimidation affected your behavior, but if a simulation can improve real performance then it is unlikely that a little intimidation completely erases all the tendencies learned in the simulation. It can't be assumed that things which improve performance will transfer, but things which could be dangerous won't transfer.

In my case my hands were numb and in pain from the strong grip.

After a while (days? weeks?) you get used to the real car and the racing simulation muscle memory comes back.

One personal anecdote may well be true and valuable, but it still isn't usable data.