When Lewis Hamilton's Canadian GP Turned Into a Wildlife Disaster

By Lewis Barnett 16 June, 2025 6 mins read 111 Views

God, where do I even start with this one.

So I'm watching the Canadian Grand Prix last Sunday, right? Lewis Hamilton's having what looks like a decent race in his Ferrari - finally getting somewhere after all the drama of switching teams. Then around lap 12, something happens that nobody saw coming. The seven-time world champion absolutely demolishes a groundhog at full racing speed on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Poor little guy never stood a chance.

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The Moment Everything Went Sideways

Hamilton didn't even know what hit him - literally. He's cruising along, managing his tires like a pro, feeling optimistic about his position when WHAM. One second there's a groundhog minding its own business, the next second it's... well, let's just say it's not minding anything anymore. The impact tore a hole right through the floor of his SF-25 and completely destroyed the aerodynamic vanes on the right side.

I've been covering F1 for years, and I've seen birds get taken out before, but a groundhog? That's a new one. These things happen so fast that drivers usually don't realize until someone tells them over the radio or after the race.

Lewis Gets the Bad News

Here's where it gets heartbreaking. Hamilton had no clue about his accidental roadkill until a team member broke the news to him post-race. His reaction to Sky Sports was genuinely gut-wrenching: "I didn't see it happen, but I heard I hit a groundhog. That's devastating, I love animals and that's so, so sad. That's never happened to me here before."

You could see it in his face - this wasn't just PR speak. The guy was genuinely crushed.

The damage was substantial too. "The floor, the right side, there's a hole in it and all the vanes are all gone," Hamilton explained. For a sport where aerodynamics can make or break your race, that's basically like trying to run a marathon with one shoe.

When Everything Goes Wrong at Once

But wait, it gets worse! Because apparently the racing gods weren't done messing with Hamilton that day. On top of the groundhog situation, his Ferrari developed brake issues halfway through the race. Then they kept him out too long during his first pit stop, which dropped him behind traffic.

"It just went from one thing to another," Hamilton said afterward, and honestly? That pretty much sums up his entire 2025 season so far.

Despite all this chaos, he managed to drag his damaged Ferrari home in sixth place. George Russell - his old Mercedes teammate - won the race, which probably stung a bit considering Hamilton's move to Ferrari was supposed to put him back in championship contention.

The Bigger Picture (It's Not Pretty)

Hamilton's post-race comments revealed something we've all been thinking: Ferrari's got problems. "We're really in need of an upgrade and there's a lot of things that need to change before we can fight at the front," he admitted.

This from a guy who's won seven world championships. When Lewis Hamilton says your car needs work, your car REALLY needs work.

The Austrian Grand Prix is coming up next weekend at the Red Bull Ring, and honestly? I'm hoping for a groundhog-free race this time. Hamilton's been through enough already, adn watching him struggle with an underperforming Ferrari while dealing with accidental wildlife casualties is just painful.

Sometimes racing can be brutal in ways you never expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are Formula 1 teams developing new cars?

Formula 1 teams develop new cars for each season. It is because the technical regulations are constantly evolving and the teams are always striving to improve performance. The teams will continue to update the car and make improvements throughout the season to ensure they have an edge on their rivals.

What is the difference between power units and Formula 1 cars

A Formula 1 power module consists a hybrid internal compression engine (ICE), and an Energy Recovery System. The ICE, a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, is paired with an Energy Recovery System (ERS) that uses energy captured from the vehicle's exhaust and braking systems to generate additional power. The combination of these technologies not only boosts performance but also increases efficiency, contributing to the fascinating blend of speed and advanced engineering in the sport.

What is DRS Formula 1 and how does DRS work?

Drag Reduction System, or DRS in Formula 1, is a device used to help facilitate overtaking. The device works by reducing drag aerodynamically when activated. This allows a following car to gain temporary speed advantage. The DRS is only available in certain zones of the track, and at specific points where the driver's car is within a second of the one ahead.

What are Formula 1's top teams?

Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, and others have historically been at the top of Formula 1 Racing. Mercedes has enjoyed an extended period of sustained success, winning multiple constructors’ titles. Ferrari is also a major contender in the sport with a long history. Red Bull Racing is a team that has been able to compete with these giants because of its innovation and drive.

How does weather affect Formula 1 races

Weather conditions have a major impact on Formula 1 races. They can influence tire choice, car set-up, and strategy. Rain can cause slippery conditions on the track, forcing drivers to change to intermediate or wet tires. Teams must be prepared to adapt to changing conditions swiftly, with drivers needing to exhibit skill and caution. Temperature variations may also impact tire wear and the performance of engines, affecting race results.

How is Formula 1's world champion determined?

The Formula 1 World Champion determines by the accumulation of points throughout the year. Drivers receive points for their Grand Prix finishes. The higher the position, the more points they earn. At the end of each season, the driver with most points wins the title of World Champion. Constructors’ Championship is decided in a similar way by adding all the points that each team has scored.

How do drivers qualify for a Formula 1 race?

Qualifying for a Formula 1 race is conducted through a knock-out system occurring the day before the race. The qualifying is divided into three sections - Q1,Q2, and Q3. In Q1, all drivers are competing, and the five slowest cars will be eliminated. Next, the top 15 drivers move on to Q2, where another five cars are eliminated. The top 10 move on to Q3, and compete to gain pole position, as well as determine the order in which the first ten positions are placed.

Statistics

Ayrton Senna holds the record for most consecutive pole positions, achieving a series of eight poles from the 1988 Spanish Grand Prix to the 1989 United States Grand Prix.
As of the latest season, Mercedes AMG Petronas has won eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, the longest streak in Formula 1 history.
The highest number of cars to start a Formula 1 race was 34 at the 1953 German Grand Prix.
The 2020 Formula 1 season comprised the shortest calendar in recent history with just 17 races, due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fastest lap ever recorded in Formula 1 was set by Juan Pablo Montoya, reaching a top speed of 372.6 km/h (231.523 mph).
Jenson Button accomplished the greatest number of overtakes in a single race, with a total of 26 during the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton has the most career wins of any driver in Formula 1, amassing over 100 victories.
The largest winning margin in a Formula 1 race was recorded by Jim Clark in 1963 at the Belgian Grand Prix, with a lead of nearly 5 minutes over the second-place finisher.

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How To

How to Enjoy a Formula 1 Racing Weekend

Secure your tickets as early as possible, particularly for popular or historic events. Choose grandstand seats that provide views on crucial parts of the track, such as overtaking zones, or opt for general admission for a more flexible and varied perspective. Early arrivals can enjoy qualifying and practice sessions that provide insight into driver and team performance. Enjoy the fan zones, interactive display and meet-and Greet sessions. Embrace the local culture of the host country and engage with fellow fans to share the excitement of the race.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/formula-1/lawson-gets-absolutely-demolished-with-50place-grid-penalty-in-montreal