Lewis Hamilton ‘Devastated’ by 100mph Animal Collision Causing Car Damage at F1 Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton ‘Devastated’ After Collision with Groundhog at Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton expressed heartbreak after striking a groundhog during Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix, an incident that damaged his Ferrari and left the seven-time world champion deeply remorseful.

A Tragic Moment on Track
New footage revealed the groundhog darting across the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve during Lap 13. Hamilton, traveling at approximately 100 mph, collided with the animal between Turns 9 and 10. The impact caused significant damage to his car’s floor, compromising aerodynamics and contributing to his sixth-place finish.

[Image: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari moments before the collision. Caption: Hamilton’s car camera captured the groundhog sprinting across the track.]

“I didn’t see it happen, but I heard it. That’s devastating. I love animals, and I’m so sad about it,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “It’s never nice… I just hope it didn’t suffer.” Ferrari engineers estimated the damage cost “20 points” of downforce, worsening Hamilton’s struggles with brake issues and traffic delays.

Support and Reactions
Nicole Piastri, mother of McLaren driver Oscar, lightheartedly consoled Hamilton on social media: “RIP little groundhog. (Not your fault Lewis).” Fans and teams acknowledged the unavoidable nature of the collision, given the circuit’s history of wildlife encounters.

[Image: Groundhogs near the track. Caption: The Montreal circuit is known for its resident groundhogs.]

Race Impact and Results
Despite qualifying fifth, Hamilton’s race unraveled due to the collision and strategic setbacks. Meanwhile, George Russell secured victory for Mercedes, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in second and rising star Kimi Antonelli earning his first F1 podium in third.

A Recurring Hazard
Groundhogs have long been a quirky hazard at the Canadian GP. In 2007, Anthony Davidson hit one during practice. While most are safely avoided, Hamilton’s incident highlights the risks wildlife pose at high-speed tracks.

[Image: Hamilton speaking post-race. Caption: Hamilton called the incident “horrible” but finished sixth.]

Though unharmed physically, Hamilton’s emotional response underscored his compassion for animals—a reminder of the unpredictable challenges drivers face beyond rivals and weather.

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