Fans react to bizarre F1 visitor - 'It isn't the Canadian GP if you don't have a groundhog crossing the circuit'

Ronan Murphy
Friday 17 June 2022 20:50 - Updated: 20:50

It was 'Groundhog Day' at the Canadian Grand Prix as one of the critters ran onto the track during first practice at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The event returned to Montréal for the first time since 2019, with familiar friend Gary the Groundhog - so named by Sky Sports F1's crew - making his return too.

The animal was lucky to escape being driven over by Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz as he ran into oncoming traffic and narrowly made it to safety at the other side.

'Groundhog' trended on Twitter as Formula 1 fans reacted to the bizarre scenes, with one quick-fingered social media user even setting up a "Garry the GroundHog" account to reply to the official F1 channel.

Happy to not be flattened by Sainz

— Garry The GroundHog (@GarryGroundhog) June 17, 2022

⛔ First groundhog track invasion of the weekend! ⛔ pic.twitter.com/YOVQcHOgP3

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 17, 2022

You won't see a wilder scene this weekend. Literally.

Gary the Groundhog narrowly avoids being killed at the #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/HyDZ5v7aC9

— GPFans Global (@GPFansGlobal) June 17, 2022

It isn't the Canadian GP if you don't have a groundhog crossing the circuit. 🤣 #CanadianGP

— Paul McGinnes 🏁 (@PaulMcG92) June 17, 2022

Watch out little friend! 🥺

A brave groundhog makes a daring dash between Alonso and Sainz's cars#CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/L1VrUb05Js

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 17, 2022

Carlos Sainz was inches away from hitting a groundhog!#CanadianGP #FP1 pic.twitter.com/8IsdoWC7I1

— GPFans Global (@GPFansGlobal) June 17, 2022

Holy ships... Sainz just about avoided the little groundhog

— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) June 17, 2022

Ground hog under investigation

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 17, 2022

What the hell has happened since Masi left? First Porpoises and now Groundhogs....F1 isn't the sport I used to love......😓

— Michael Heppenstall (@mickstereftb) June 17, 2022

Don't mind me having a mini panic attack watching that groundhog crossing the track. Lol #F1 #CanadianGP

— JH (@JPAHub) June 17, 2022

If I would hit a groundhog with my car I would actually cry

— LOU (@MarieLouisenlF1) June 17, 2022

Drivers sending a message to Gary the Groundhog #CanadaGP pic.twitter.com/nTasmU5fp9

— Tim Wagner 🏁🎳📷🚗 (@timwagner66) June 17, 2022

Groundhog on front of sainz!!! pic.twitter.com/Q6INp7dEEy

— Ryan richie 6776 ⚡ (@maniac6776) June 17, 2022