Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has expressed heartbreak and deep remorse after accidentally running over a groundhog during the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. The incident occurred on lap 13, and though the damage to his Ferrari SF-25 car cost him precious time and possibly a better finish, Hamilton was far more disturbed by the animal’s tragic death than by the impact on his race.
A Tragic Encounter on the Track
Hamilton, 40, known not only for his racing brilliance but also for his commitment to animal rights and veganism, was visibly shaken after the race. The seven-time world champion called the incident “devastating,” stating, “I love animals, and I’m so sad about it. That’s horrible. That’s never happened to me here before.”
The collision with the groundhog left a hole in the floor of Hamilton’s car, slowing him down by an estimated half a second per lap — a costly setback in a sport where milliseconds can decide podium places. Despite the damage, he managed to finish sixth, a respectable but clearly bittersweet result for the champion.
More Than Just Racing
Hamilton has long been a vocal advocate for animal welfare. His social media presence often features rescued dogs, wildlife conservation campaigns, and messages promoting ethical living. That’s why this incident hit him harder than most sporting mishaps.
“I didn’t see it happen, but obviously I heard I hit a groundhog,” he said post-race. “I just hope it didn’t suffer.”
For Hamilton, the race wasn’t just about speed or strategy — it became a painful reminder of the intersection between man and nature in high-performance motorsports.
The Island Track’s Unseen Residents
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on Île Notre-Dame, a man-made island in the Saint Lawrence River, is well-known for its wildlife — especially its groundhog population. These large ground squirrels are native to North America and often wander onto the track during race weekends.
This is not the first time a groundhog has had a high-profile encounter with F1. Over the years, the Montreal circuit has seen several such incidents, prompting calls for better wildlife management protocols. The groundhogs have become something of a fixture — charming to some, problematic to others — but never intended to be in harm’s way.
A Race Overshadowed
While Mercedes’ George Russell celebrated a dramatic victory from pole position — his first win of the season — and reigning champion Max Verstappen settled for second place, the post-race conversation was partly dominated by Hamilton’s somber mood.
Though his sixth-place finish added valuable points to his tally in the driver standings, the emotional cost weighed heavier.
Moving Forward: Can F1 Do More?
This incident may once again ignite discussions about wildlife safety in motorsport. As F1 continues its push toward sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring the safety of both drivers and local ecosystems becomes increasingly important.
Could more be done to protect animals on tracks like Montreal? Should races be preceded by thorough wildlife sweeps? Hamilton’s heartfelt response may encourage the FIA and race organizers to take a closer look.
In Hamilton’s Words
“It was feeling pretty decent up until then… It’s never nice to see that,” he said quietly after the race. “I just hope it didn’t suffer.”
In a weekend that celebrated speed, precision, and championship hopes, it was a moment of unexpected tragedy that reminded fans and drivers alike that even in the world’s fastest sport, empathy still has a place.
Written By Joe Brens
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