Hamilton runs over Groundhog at Canadian GP

A tragic animal accident shook the Canadian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton ran over a groundhog.

The incident occurred about eight laps after the start on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. A groundhog got onto the track – and was hit by the Ferrari of the seven-time world champion. According to team boss Fred Vasseur, the impact caused significant damage to the vehicle's floor: The underbody and the floor plate were affected, costing about 20 points of downforce. Hamilton lost about half a second per lap as a result.

Emotional Reaction and Race Progress

Lewis Hamilton was deeply affected after the race. He told the media: “It was shocking, I love animals, and it makes me very sad.” He clearly heard the impact but did not see the animal beforehand. In addition to the emotional setback, there were also technical problems: A slight brake defect further impaired performance. Hamilton finished the race in sixth place – directly behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

Groundhog Incidents Not Uncommon

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is known for its animal incidents. Groundhogs repeatedly make their way onto the track from their burrows. In the past, drivers like Max Verstappen have had to swerve or accept damage. Ferrari announced they would symbolically send flowers to the animal.

Consequences for the Team

The damaged components meant not only a performance disadvantage for Ferrari but also a challenge for upcoming races. The team is analyzing the impacts and announced possible upgrades to compensate for the lost performance. Safety measures around animal movements could also be strengthened in the future.

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