The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix was marred by an unusual and unfortunate incident involving Lewis Hamilton and a groundhog. The seven-time world champion, driving for Ferrari, ran over the animal during the race, resulting in damage to his car and a significant impact on his performance.
Hamilton started the race in Montreal from fifth position and initially felt optimistic about his chances. However, around lap 13, he experienced a sudden loss of pace. It was later revealed that the cause was a collision with a groundhog that had made its way onto the track. The impact created a hole in the floor of his SF-25, leading to a loss of approximately half a second per lap.
"I didn't see it happening, but I heard I hit a groundhog," Hamilton explained after the race. "That's devastating because I love animals, and I'm so sad about it. It's horrible!" He added that the incident had never happened to him before at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a track known for its roaming groundhogs due to its location on Notre Dame Island.
The damage sustained by Hamilton's Ferrari severely hampered his race. He was overtaken by both Lando Norris and his teammate Charles Leclerc, eventually finishing in sixth place. Despite the setback, Hamilton expressed gratitude for being able to finish the race and salvage some points, especially considering a brake issue that arose later on. He also admitted to being frustrated on the team radio, confessing, "I'm nowhere in this race, mate. I don't know what's happened.”
The incident sparked a wave of reactions from fans, who expressed disbelief and sympathy for both the animal and Hamilton. The incident also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where even unexpected elements like wildlife can significantly impact a race. Animal incidents are not unheard of in F1. In the past, races have been disrupted by dogs, lizards, and birds, highlighting the challenges of ensuring a completely secure environment for both drivers and animals.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the Canadian Grand Prix saw George Russell secure his first victory of the 2025 season, leading a 1-3 finish for Mercedes, with teammate Kimi Antonelli claiming his maiden podium. The race concluded under a Safety Car after a dramatic collision between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Red Bull initially protested Russell's driving during the Safety Car period, alleging erratic behavior, but the protest was ultimately rejected. Besides the top three, Piastri finished fourth, Leclerc fifth, and Hamilton sixth.
