Lewis Hamilton, the internationally acclaimed and immensely successful Formula 1 driver, has cemented his place in the annals of racing history with an extraordinary career. Boasting an impressive array of records, including the most career wins, pole positions, podium finishes, career points, and laps led, Hamilton’s achievements are unparalleled in the world of motorsports. However, even this exceptional racer faces a formidable challenge in conquering the opening tutorial level of the original PlayStation game, Driver. It appears that the gaming prowess required to overcome this specific hurdle eludes even someone as skilled as Mr. Hamilton.
Unleashed upon the gaming world in 1999, the original Driver swiftly garnered critical acclaim as a semi-open-world driving game inspired by the adrenaline-fueled car chases immortalized in Hollywood films. Preceding the groundbreaking leap to 3D made by Grand Theft Auto III, Driver offered gamers their first foray into an immersive open-world city teeming with police pursuits and vehicular mayhem on a console. The game’s success paved the way for an entire franchise and, intriguingly, played a role in the genesis of the Watch Dogs series. However, it is the infamously challenging opening tutorial that has become Driver’s enduring legacy. Within this level, players must navigate a punishing checklist of driving maneuvers within a tight time frame. Countless gamers wrestled with this formidable obstacle for hours on end, while some were never able to overcome it. Lewis Hamilton, the world-renowned and uber-successful F1 driver, finds himself among those who fell short of mastering this gaming ordeal.
A delightful video uploaded to the official YouTube channel of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team showcases Hamilton indulging in a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Seated before a PS1 console and a CRT TV, the driver immerses himself in a world of retro gaming. Throughout the video, Hamilton regales viewers with anecdotes about his arduous journey in acquiring his first PS1 and reminisces about the F1 games that captivated him during his formative years. However, when Hamilton attempts to tackle Driver, his progress is met with considerable difficulty.
“Oh, shit, I’ve not done well in this one,” Hamilton exclaims, his frustration evident. After several more valiant attempts, he concedes, “Damnit, I can’t get past this first stage,” followed by an infectious laugh.
There is no shame in Hamilton’s struggle with the opening level of Driver. Widely acknowledged as an exceedingly arduous and unforgiving experience, particularly for a tutorial, this challenge serves as a reminder that even individuals of Hamilton’s caliber face formidable gaming obstacles. In fact, witnessing Hamilton’s valiant yet unsuccessful efforts in overcoming this level provides solace to those who, like many, found themselves grappling with the same game during their own childhood. With sincere gratitude, we extend our thanks to Lewis Hamilton for shedding light on the immense difficulty posed by Driver’s opening level.
On a related note, it is worth mentioning that Lewis Hamilton harbors a deep passion for driving games beyond his real-world racing pursuits. In addition to his fondness for the classic Driver, he has been known to appreciate other highly successful driving game franchises, such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport. These virtual racing experiences offer Hamilton a chance to immerse himself in the world of simulated driving, showcasing his dedication to the art of racing in all its forms.
