Lewis Hamilton had a heartbreaking moment during the 2025 when he accidentally ran over a groundhog on the track. The incident happened on Lap 12 at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. Hamilton, who was racing hard in the middle of the pack, didn’t see the animal until it was too late.
The groundhog sadly passed away, and Hamilton’s car was also damaged. The impact tore a hole in the floor of his Ferrari, making it harder to drive. Because of the damage, Hamilton lost a lot of speed and struggled to keep up with other drivers. He eventually finished the race in sixth place.
After the race, Hamilton said he was “devastated” when he found out what had happened. As someone who cares deeply about animals and follows a vegan lifestyle, the news was very upsetting to him. He said he didn’t see the groundhog during the race and only learned about it afterward.
This isn’t the first time animals have caused problems at the Canadian Grand Prix. Groundhogs often wander onto the track, even though safety teams try to keep them away. In past years, other drivers like Romain Grosjean and Anthony Davidson also had close calls with groundhogs.
Despite the emotional and physical setbacks, Hamilton stayed focused and managed to recover a few places by the end. Still, it was a day he’ll likely remember for the wrong reasons.
Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton Turns Heads With Ducati Superbike Ahead Of Canadian GP Qualifying; Video
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton made heads turn at the Canadian GP as he rolled into Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, not in an F1 car, but astride a bright red Ducati Panigale V4 superbike.
This isn’t Hamilton’s first two‑wheeled entrance: he arrived at Monaco in March on a limited‑edition MV Agusta F4 LH44, highlighting his love for high‑performance bikes. Ducati’s tech is cutting‑edge too, with wheelie control, slide assistance, engine‑brake systems and data logging, though it’s unclear how many of those features Hamilton activated.
Riding a stunning red Ducati felt almost symbolic, echoing his current F1 drive with Ferrari. On track, Hamilton looked sharp too. He qualified fifth for Saturday’s session, with teammate Charles Leclerc taking eighth. But his real statement came on two wheels, sparking excitement from fans and pundits alike.
