Lewis Hamilton’s Canadian Grand Prix Marred by Groundhog Collision
Lewis Hamilton finished sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, with his performance partially affected by an unfortunate collision with a groundhog. The seven-time world champion, who started fifth, hit the animal around lap 13, damaging his car and costing him valuable time.
“I Love Animals, So I’m So Sad About It”
In a post-race interview with Sky Sport, Hamilton expressed his sadness about the incident: “I love animals, so I’m so sad about it. It’s horrible. It’s never happened to me here before.” The collision caused significant damage to his Mercedes, with Hamilton explaining, “The floor, basically the right side has a hole in it and all the veins are all gone.” He also revealed dealing with brake issues later in the race.
Hamilton’s Vegan Lifestyle and Animal Advocacy
The 40-year-old F1 legend has been vegan since 2017, citing both health benefits and ethical concerns. He’s been vocal about animal rights and environmental issues, once stating on Instagram: “Agriculture farming is the largest pollutant we currently have by over 50 percent, far more than our travel industry combined. Go vegan, it is the only way to save our planet today.”
Groundhogs: A Persistent Problem at Montreal Circuit
Groundhogs are native to Canada and have been a recurring issue at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. These rodents have disrupted races for years:
- Max Verstappen narrowly avoided a groundhog during this year’s Canadian GP
- Romain Grosjean damaged his car after hitting one in 2018
Race Impact and Team Reactions
The collision cost Hamilton approximately half a second per lap, significantly affecting his performance. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to finish just ahead in fifth place. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur joked about sending “flowers to the marmot” and hinted at potential upgrades for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix on June 27.
Opinion: When Nature Interferes with Motorsport
While wildlife encounters are rare in Formula 1, the Canadian GP’s groundhog problem highlights the delicate balance between sporting events and natural habitats. It’s particularly ironic that this happened to Hamilton, one of motorsport’s most prominent animal advocates. The incident serves as a reminder that even in our highly controlled, technological world, nature can still intervene in unexpected ways. Perhaps the FIA should consider more robust wildlife deterrents for future races in Montreal, protecting both the animals and the competitors.
