Lewis Hamilton had a Canadian Grand Prix to forget. While a sixth-place finish might seem disappointing for a driver of his caliber, the real story lies in an unexpected and deeply upsetting incident. During the 13th lap of the race in Montreal, Hamilton unknowingly struck and killed a groundhog. The seven-time world champion, known for his passion for animal welfare and vegan lifestyle, expressed his profound sadness following the incident.
“I didn’t see it happen,” Hamilton stated in a post-race interview with ESPN, “but I heard I hit a groundhog.” He went on to describe the impact as devastating, emphasizing his love for animals and the unexpected nature of the event. This wasn’t just a mechanical issue or a strategic blunder; it was a deeply personal tragedy for the driver.
Beyond the emotional toll, the collision also caused damage to his Ferrari, creating a hole in the car’s floor. While he attributed some of his less-than-stellar performance to pre-existing brake issues and traffic congestion, the impact of the groundhog undoubtedly contributed to his overall result. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of racing and the unexpected challenges drivers can face beyond mechanical failures and competitor strategies.
This unfortunate event isn’t the first time a groundhog has disrupted the Canadian Grand Prix. In 2007, Anthony Davidson had a similar encounter, impacting his performance and necessitating a pit stop for repairs. More recently, in 2018, Romain Grosjean also experienced a groundhog collision during practice, lamenting the damage to his car and expressing concern for the animal. It seems the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on Montreal’s Ile Notre-Dame, has a persistent population of groundhogs that have occasionally found themselves in the path of high-speed Formula One cars.
Hamilton’s experience serves as a poignant reminder that even the most celebrated athletes face unexpected challenges, and that sometimes the most impactful moments aren’t always those captured in the official race results. His genuine grief over the incident underscores his compassionate nature and highlights the unexpected intersection of high-stakes motorsports and the natural world.
