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Lewis Hamilton buys Sega Mega Drive and plays Senna game ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton warmed up for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix with a sim of a different kind after purchasing a retro computer console and playing a game named after his idol Ayrton Senna

[Lewis Hamilton speaks to the media ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix]

Lewis Hamilton speaks to the media ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix(Image: 2022 Getty Images)

The mood in a rather serious F1 press conference dominated by the effects of porpoising on drivers and cars was lightened when Lewis Hamilton spoke of his new-found passion for retro computer consoles.

During the seven-time world champions childhood, Nintendo 64s and Sega Mega Drives were must-have items, with games like Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat and Sonic the Hedgehog all the rage.

And ahead of this weekends Canadian Grand Prix, the Brit has taken a trip back in time. After initially digging out an old Nintendo 64 from the cupboard, he ventured to a retro games shop in Montreal in search of iconic racing game Mario Kart. Sadly, that wasnt available but he did spot an old game named after his racing idol, Ayrton Senna, on the Sega Genesis (known as a Mega Drive outside of North America).

I just had this itch to play old games, he said ahead of the first practice session. I found an old Nintendo 64 in my storage and bought Golden Eye.

Then, when I landed [in Canada], I went to get Mario Kart but they didnt have it, so I bought a Sega Genesis and they had the Senna game and I thought, this is perfect. So Ive been spending the last couple of nights driving the Senna game.

At that point in the press conference, Max Verstappen, who was sitting next to him, asked: Any porpoising issues on the game?, to which a smiling Hamilton replied: No porpoising.

What is the best computer console of all time? Tell us in the comments section below.

[Lewis Hamilton tries out his new Sega Genesis ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix]

Lewis Hamilton tries out his new Sega Genesis ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix(Image: Lewis Hamilton/Instagram)

Hamilton has posted a video on his Instagram page of him playing the game and admitted his natural competitiveness got the better of him, saying: I landed in Montreal and went straight to a retro game shop. Got myself a Sega Genesis and of course, Ayrton Sennas 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. Ill let you all know when I beat it.

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