sevendayweekender – During Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Lewis Hamilton hit a groundhog on Lap 13 of the race. The animal was crossing the track when Hamilton’s Ferrari collided with it at high speed. The impact caused visible damage to the floor of his SF-25 car. Groundhogs, commonly seen around Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, often wander onto the track due to its location on an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence River.
Hamilton, 40, was running a solid race until the incident occurred. Though he managed to continue, his pace suffered significantly. The contact with the groundhog left a hole in the car’s underbody. Ferrari estimated the damage cost him around half a second per lap for the remainder of the race. Despite the setback, Hamilton completed the race and secured sixth place.
Hamilton Reacts Emotionally After Race
After the race, Hamilton expressed sorrow over the incident involving the animal. Known for his commitment to animal rights and vegan lifestyle, he called the experience “devastating.” Speaking to reporters, Hamilton said he had not seen the groundhog until after the collision. “I didn’t see it happen, but I was told I hit a groundhog,” he said. “That’s devastating. I love animals, and I’m so sad about it.”
Hamilton said he had never experienced something like that before in Montreal. “It’s never happened to me here. It’s horrible. I just hope it didn’t suffer.” His words reflected genuine distress. For Hamilton, who often speaks out on wildlife and environmental issues, the moment overshadowed his performance in the race.
Damage to SF-25 Affects Race Outcome
The Ferrari team confirmed that the car’s performance suffered due to the incident. The underfloor of the SF-25 is critical for downforce and balance. A hole in that area can reduce speed and stability. Team engineers estimated Hamilton lost up to 0.5 seconds per lap following the impact.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton managed to maintain a competitive position. He finished sixth, showing resilience despite driving a damaged car for the majority of the race. Ferrari mechanics later inspected the damage and confirmed that debris from the collision was embedded in the car’s floor.
Wildlife at Montreal Circuit Raises Concerns
The Canadian Grand Prix venue has a history of wildlife encounters. Groundhogs, a species of large squirrel, are common on Île Notre-Dame, where the track is located. Their presence has raised concerns about safety for both animals and drivers. In past years, other drivers have reported seeing groundhogs near the racing line.
Track officials have made efforts to manage animal intrusions. Fencing and wildlife patrols are in place, but some gaps remain. The incident with Hamilton may prompt further reviews of wildlife control measures at the venue.
George Russell Wins as Verstappen Takes Second
While Hamilton’s race was disrupted, Mercedes driver George Russell claimed victory in Montreal. He started from pole and held off defending champion Max Verstappen, who finished second. It was Russell’s first win of the 2025 season and a crucial moment for Mercedes.
The podium was completed by Lando Norris of McLaren, with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez rounding out the top five. Despite his sixth-place finish, Hamilton’s race was marked more by emotion than points, as he dealt with the aftermath of a tragic and unexpected incident.
