Aksel Kryhlmand
Ferrari confirm significant floor damage after animal strike; Hamilton ‘devastated’
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton saw his chances of a strong result at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix unravel after his car struck a groundhog early in the race, a tragic moment that not only caused substantial damage to his car but left the seven-time world champion personally shaken.
Performance Plunges After Groundhog Collision
The incident occurred around lap 8 or 9 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where the Montreal-based track, known for its unique setting on Île Notre-Dame in the Saint Lawrence Seaway, has a history of wildlife-related hazards.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the collision caused severe floor damage, costing the car approximately 20 points of downforce, which translated to around half a second per lap a significant disadvantage.
We will send flowers to the marmot, Vasseur said, somewhat sardonically referencing the Canadian groundhog species involved.
Hamilton eventually finished sixth, just behind teammate Charles Leclerc, though he was nearly 22 seconds adrift before a late safety car compressed the field.
Hamilton: “I’m So Sad About It”
For Hamilton, a committed vegan and longtime advocate for animal welfare, the emotional toll of the incident was arguably even heavier than the sporting impact.
I was managing the tyres well. I was feeling optimistic,” Hamilton explained after the race. “I didn’t see it happen but I heard I hit a groundhog. That’s devastating because I love animals and I’m so sad about it. That’s horrible. It’s never happened to me before.
Beyond the emotional weight, the damage to his SF-25’s right-side floor and vanes left Hamilton “nowhere in the race,” as he lamented over team radio mid-race.
Wildlife and Montreal
Groundhogs have been a longstanding hazard at the Canadian Grand Prix, occasionally wandering onto the track due to the circuit’s natural surroundings. Their presence poses not only a safety risk but has led to car damage and even retirements in past editions.
While wildlife precautions are in place, incidents like Sunday’s collision highlight the unique challenges of racing on nature-adjacent circuits.
What’s Next for Hamilton?
This marks another frustrating chapter in Hamilton’s 2025 campaign, which has been marked by solid pace but inconsistent results. The Brit will now turn his focus to the Austrian Grand Prix, hoping to rebound from a weekend defined by heartbreak — both mechanical and emotional.