Lewis Hamilton buys retro games console to get his racing fix ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
The seven-time world champion has bought a Sega Genesis
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton has found a temporary cure to racing with a bad back as the seven-time Formula One world champion got his hands on a retro games console ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
The 37-year-old required assistance to get out of his Mercedes after his car bounced up and down at high speed throughout the 51-lap Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend.
Mercedes ran their machines close to the ground in Baku to produce lower downforce.
But the move exaggerated the bouncing – also known as porpoising – with the FIA, the sport’s governing body, now taking the decision to step in and attempt to make the sport safer.
Hamilton underwent acupuncture and cryotherapy to get in better shape for his arrival in Montreal.
But he also found time to put in a few laps on a Sega Genesis – known as a Mega Drive in the United Kingdom – playing a game named after his racing idol.
“I just had this itch to play old games,” he said.
“I’ve just bought an old Nintendo 64…I didn’t buy it, I found it in my storage. Then I went and got Goldeneye.
“When I landed I went to get Mario Kart but they didn’t have a Nintendo 64 so I bought a Sega Genesis, and they had the Senna game and I was like – this is perfect!
“So I’ve been spending the last couple of nights driving the Senna game. But I’m not that quick on it!”
Hamilton took to Instagram to keep fans updated on his progress: “Got myself a Sega Genesis and of course, Ayrton Senna’s Super Monaco GP II. I loved this game as a kid and still do now. Still holds up!
“Naturally I got super competitive with myself. My personal best right now is a 49 second lap, pretty sure I can beat that tho. That was only after a few tries. I’ll let you all know when I beat it.”
After revealing his purchase in the driver’s press conference on Friday, Hamilton shared a joke with 2021 title rival Max Verstappen, who asked if there were any porpoising issues on the game.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments