Jun 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during FP3 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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“Horrible”- Lewis Hamilton Hits a Groundhog at the Canadian Grand Prix!

Lewis Hamilton had a collision he did not expect at the Canadian Grand Prix

Jun 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during FP3 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Canadian Grand Prix is known for its fair share of unique aspects. From the wall of champions to the cool nature of the track, the Canadian GP offers a varying set of challenges for every driver. However, there are also some factors which can’t be accounted for.

Formula 1 tracks have always been dangerous. There are measures taken to ensure no animal enters the race track. However, some tracks have been especially troubled by the entry of animals. There have been many incidents between cars and animals during and F1 race. The Canadian Grand Prix is a prime race for these incidents. The track is known for the groundhogs that live neat the area. Often, they can be seen on track. Although Formula 1 cares and celebrates for them, they are always in danger with high speed cars moving around the circuit.

Lewis Hamilton Has a Sad Encounter During the Race

Lewis Hamilton had another tiring weekend with his SF25 in Canada. Once again, the seven-time champion was left in no man’s land. Hamilton had damage on his car early on in the race. This dropped his pace and he subsequently suffered throughout the grand prix. At the end of the day, Hamilton could only finish P6 in the race.

Lewis Hamilton's damage early on in the race was caused by a groundhog…

Sleep well 😔#CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/BwU4rYbIH5
— Autosport (@autosport) June 15, 2025

However, Hamilton’s troubles were increased with a new revelation. The Briton was informed later on that he hit a groundhog during the race, killing the animal in the process. It was devastating for Hamilton who lamented the incident saying–

“I didn’t see it happening but I heard I hit a groundhog, so that’s devastating. I love animals and I’m so sad about it. That’s horrible.”

The collision reportedly cost his Ferrari around half a second per lap. As the commentators said- he lost nearly 20 points of aerodynamic performance leaving his Ferrari to drop back considerably.

A bad Canadian Grand Prix turned worst for the seven-time champion. He was showing better pace than Charles throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, he could sustain it for very long and gather the result he would have liked.

Canadian Grand Prix

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Formula 1 2025 Season

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.