Hamilton “Devastated” After Groundhog Incident at Montreal Grand Prix

⁤ ⁢ ⁢ Updated June 16, 2025

Montreal—Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, expressed his distress after his car struck a groundhog during Sunday’s Canadian Grand ⁤Prix. The ⁤incident occurred on the 13th lap at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The impact left a hole in the floor ​of Hamilton’s SF-25 car. The Ferrari team estimated⁤ the damage cost him about half a second ​per lap for the remainder of the race. Hamilton, 40, ultimately finished sixth.

More than his finishing position, the vegan and⁤ animal advocate was upset by the groundhog’s death. Groundhogs are common​ in the area, which is on an artificial island in⁢ the Saint Lawrence‌ River.

“It was feeling pretty decent ‍up until then. And then, I didn’t‌ see it happen, but obviously I heard ​I hit a groundhog,” Hamilton said. ⁤”So that’s devastating. I ⁢love animals, and I’m⁢ so sad about it. That’s horrible. That’s never happened to me here before.”

“it’s never nice to see that – I just hope it didn’t suffer,” he added. The‌ incident overshadowed the race where George Russell of Mercedes ⁢secured his frist victory of‌ the season, with Max Verstappen finishing second.

What’s next

Hamilton and the ferrari team‌ will assess the⁣ damage to ‍the SF-25 and prepare for the​ next Formula​ 1 race,hoping ‍to rebound⁢ from the unfortunate‍ incident in Montreal. The focus remains on improving performance while addressing concerns about⁤ track safety and wildlife.