F1 star KILLS animal in freak incident at Imola Grand Prix

A Formula 1 driver was responsible for the death of an animal during FP1 at the Imola Grand Prix after footage revealed the moment his car came into contact with the poor creature.

Alpine star Pierre Gasly demonstrated significant speed during practice on Friday, setting the third fastest time during his qualifying runs on the softs in FP2.

F1 HEADLINES: FIA announce Ferrari punishment verdict as Toto Wolff absent at Imola Grand Prix

However, as the Frenchman completed a lap around Imola during FP1 he was driving too fast to avoid contact with a rabbit, who scampered across the track and sadly met the Alpine’s front wing.

"I couldn’t tell if it was a small cat or a big rabbit, it turns out that it was a big rabbit just jumping across the track," Gasly said after the session.

"I could not avoid it. I had quite a big impact on the front wing. Unfortunately that was it for the rabbit," he confirmed.

Gasly kills rabbit at Imola Grand Prix

Local wildlife is not an unusual feature during F1 race weekends, with a variety of animals inviting themselves as grand prix guests in the past.

Between the groundhogs at the Canadian Grand Prix. Lizards invading the track in Singapore and yes, a full-sized dog in India, the sport is no stranger

Now, the prancing rabbit has joined this list of brave F1 animals who dared to claim the track as their own, although not in time for a yellow flag to slow down the cars so it could leave the track safely.

For a more cheerful compilation of F1’s animal encounters over the years - including Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton arguing about a seagull - the official website has put together the best animal moments on track.

F1 RESULTS TODAY: Lewis Hamilton suffers Ferrari 'damage' in Imola nightmare

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Red Bull mock controversial FIA ruling in social media post

• Yesterday 23:00

FIA boss claims 'business as usual' but Abu Dhabi cancellation fears continue to grow

• Yesterday 17:27

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton rival hit with penalty as Toto Wolff blames Max Verstappen

• September 6, 2026 07:30

The extraordinary timeline of Pierre Gasly's unbelievable Italian GP pole position

• September 5, 2026 20:23

F1 Qualifying Results: Pierre Gasly takes staggering pole position at Italian Grand Prix

• September 5, 2026 17:22

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton launches Charles Leclerc attack as FIA stewards explain crucial decision

• September 7, 2026 07:30