Lewis Hamilton was left visibly shaken after an unusual and heartbreaking incident during the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, 2025. On the 13th lap, his Ferrari struck a groundhog that had wandered onto the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Hamilton, a committed vegan and known animal advocate, admitted to hearing the collision and later expressed deep sorrow: “I love animals, so I’m so sad… That’s devastating,” he told reporters after completing the race. The impact caused significant damage to the underside of Hamilton’s car, tearing a hole in the floor and damaging crucial vanes on the right side. Team engineers estimated he lost roughly half a second per lap thereafter, contributing to a diminished performance and a sixth-place finish. Compounding his challenges, Hamilton also suffered from brake issues and a delayed pit stop strategy, which further hampered his race.
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Despite his mechanical setbacks, Hamilton emphasized the emotional toll of the incident. He hadn’t even seen the animal but heard the impact and was immediately overcome with concern for its welfare: “It’s horrible. It’s never happened to me here before,” he added. While the event affected Hamilton’s race, it had no bearing on the final standings. George Russell clinched the coveted win—his first of the season and fourth career victory—with a commanding performance. Max Verstappen finished second, followed by rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli making his first podium appearance.
The groundhog incident wasn’t Hamilton’s first wildlife encounter at the track. Groundhogs are common at the Montreal circuit: in 2007, Anthony Davidson and in 2018, Romain Grosjean both suffered wildlife-related setbacks. With increasing urban encroachment on Quebec’s wildlife habitats, these kinds of events may become more frequent, posing unpredictable risks to the track. In the larger picture, Hamilton reflects on a race disrupted by both emotional and technical distress. He emphasized his gratitude for completing the Grand Prix but insisted on the urgent need for car upgrades, especially in braking performance, before the home Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Beyond the track, Hamilton is gaining attention off-screen as well. According to Entertainment Weekly, he will make a cameo as a producer in the upcoming Brad Pitt-led F1 film directed by Joseph Kosinski, set to premiere on June 27. Looking ahead, Hamilton and Ferrari must regroup quickly. The next race approaching in Austria presents an opportunity to rebound both technically and emotionally. Meanwhile, Russell’s dominant performance and Vettel's protests will keep the championship narrative heating up. Red Bull’s appeal after Russell's win was dismissed by FIA stewards, solidifying his victory and deepening the storyline of Russell's rise. Hamilton’s emotional reaction in Canada showcased the depth of his empathy—an athlete who races with speed, yet races with heart. While the groundhog’s fate remains unknown, its impact on Hamilton was unmistakable, marking one of the most poignant moments of the season.
