Tom's Guide
I just watched Stephen Hawking win an F1 race in Sora 2, and now I think AI may…
Memelords are eating in this AI slop era
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Stephen Hawking F1 Deepfake Goes Viral, Sparks Debate on AI's Creative Potential
A digitally altered video featuring the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking as a Formula 1 race driver has recently achieved widespread viral status, captivating millions across various social media platforms. The meticulously crafted deepfake footage shows Hawking, in his distinctive wheelchair, seamlessly integrated into a high-speed F1 car, navigating a professional racetrack alongside other competitors. The visual narrative is compellingly supported by an energetic sports commentary, which treats Hawking's fictional participation as a real and extraordinary event. Commentators are heard exclaiming, "Hawking still out front! Look at that speed down the main straight!" and noting his speed at "327 kilometers an hour from a wheelchair," further enhancing the illusion and humor. The clip also includes cutaway shots of a pit crew reacting with visible astonishment and excitement, their expressions adding to the video's immersive and entertaining quality. Uploaded by the user "Memes4life" on October 5, 2025, the video quickly amassed nearly a million views, over 125,000 likes, and more than 112,000 shares within days, underscoring its significant public appeal and rapid dissemination. While unequivocally a work of digital artistry and humor, the video has sparked broader conversations about the advanced capabilities of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology in generating highly realistic and engaging content. Media experts suggest that such creations, while entertaining, also highlight the growing importance of critical media literacy in distinguishing authentic from fabricated digital media in an increasingly complex online landscape. The creator has not publicly disclosed the specific techniques used, but the video's cultural impact as a viral meme is undeniable, showcasing the evolving nature of internet humor and digital storytelling.
