Hamilton 'devastated' after running over groundhog

Lewis Hamilton expressed his devastation after accidentally running over a groundhog during the Canadian Grand Prix held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The incident occurred on the 13th lap of the race, resulting in damage to his Ferrari SF-25 car. The team estimated that the impact created a hole in the floor of the vehicle, which cost Hamilton approximately half a second per lap for the remainder of the race. Despite finishing in sixth place, the seven-time world champion's primary concern was the welfare of the groundhog, reflecting his status as a vegan and an animal lover. Hamilton remarked on the tragic nature of the incident, emphasizing his sorrow for the animal's death and expressing hope that it did not suffer.

Hamilton noted that the race was going smoothly until the unfortunate encounter with the groundhog, which he described as a horrible experience. Having never faced such a situation at the Montreal track before, Hamilton's emotional response highlighted his deep connection to animals and his distress over the incident. Meanwhile, his teammate George Russell secured victory in the race, marking his first win of the season, while reigning champion Max Verstappen finished in second place. The presence of groundhogs around the Montreal track is not uncommon, as they are a native species to North America. Hamilton's reaction underscores the impact of unexpected events in high-stakes sports, where the well-being of animals often becomes a poignant concern amidst competitive pressures.