F1 legend Lewis Hamilton expresses regret after killing animal at Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Imola, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton expresses regret after killing animal at Canadian GP

An unfortunate incident

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Monday 16 June 2025 21:00

F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has expressed regret and revealed that he is devastated after killing an animal at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The track on which the race in Canada is held, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, is well-known for its wildlife, with several groundhogs having been seen regularly darting across the track or sitting in its grass verges over the years.

For the most part, any accidents have been avoided, but on Sunday, one groundhog decided to venture across the circuit just as the Brit entered the same piece of tarmac. Not only did it lead to the untimely demise of the furry animal, but it also caused significant damage to Hamilton's Ferrari for the rest of the race.

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In his post-race interview, Hamilton revealed the damage done to his Ferrari on his way to a sixth-place finish, as well as explaining that he was 'devastated' by the news that it was a groundhog that he had hit.

"I felt something, but I was on the straight, I didn't know what it was, I looked in my mirror, I couldn't see anything," Hamilton told media after the race. "People are telling me now that it was a groundhog, which I'm devastated to hear that.

Hamilton's Ferrari woes continue

Hamilton would have been satisfied by his qualifying performance in Canada, defeating team-mate Charles Leclerc for just the third time this season and starting up in fifth.

The seven-time champion also started the race strongly, sticking to the pace of the McLaren of Oscar Piastri.

However, after his first stop, Hamilton got stuck in a battle with Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon, and it took him several laps to get past the pair of midfield runners.

This, combined with the damage to his Ferrari that was causing him to lose around 20 points of downforce according to Sky Sports F1, led to Hamilton not being able to keep up with the frontrunners once again, a regular theme since joining Ferrari at the start of the season.

Hamilton and Ferrari did present more of a united, defiant force during the Canadian GP weekend, however, following rumours in the week about the long-term futures of Hamilton, Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur.

NASCAR Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Canadian Grand Prix Circuit Gilles Villeneuve