### Lewis Hamilton's Heartbreak: A Groundhog Incident at the Canadian Grand Prix During the Canadian Grand Prix on June 16, 2025, seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton faced an unexpected and distressing incident when he hit a groundhog with his car. The collision caused significant damage to the underside of his vehicle, impacting his performance and ultimately leading to a sixth-place finish. Hamilton, known for his advocacy for animal rights and being a vegan, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "I love animals, so I'm so sad about it. That's horrible" [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/16/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-devastating-groundhog-accident-at-canadian-f1-gp]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Its Impact 1. **Incident Overview** - Hamilton's car struck a groundhog during the race, leading to damage that affected his performance [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/hamilton-lost-performance-after-hitting-groundhog]. - The collision was not witnessed by Hamilton, who learned about it post-race [https://www.yardbarker.com/formula_one/articles/lewis_hamilton_devastated_after_running_over_groundhog/s1_17073_42334280]. 2. **Performance Consequences** - Following the incident, Hamilton reported a loss of pace and issues with his brakes, which hindered his ability to compete effectively [https://www.gamereactor.eu/lewis-hamilton-devastated-after-running-over-a-groundhog-at-canadas-gp-1560703]. - He started the race in fifth position but finished sixth, while his teammate George Russell claimed victory [https://gulfnews.com/sport/motorsport/hitting-a-groundhog-at-canadian-gp-was-devastating-hamilton-1.500165514]. 3. **Emotional Response** - Hamilton's reaction was one of devastation, highlighting his compassion for animals and the emotional toll of the incident [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/george-russell-accused-goading-max-073802488.html]. - He described the experience as "horrible" and noted that it was a first for him in his racing career [https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lewis-hamilton-groundhog-f1-ferrari-canadian-gp-b2770516.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Race Performance Metrics** - Hamilton's starting position: 5th - Final position: 6th - Winner of the race: George Russell (Mercedes) [https://keyt.com/news/2025/06/16/lewis-hamilton-so-sad-after-hitting-groundhog-during-canadian-grand-prix-as-george-russell-claims-win]. - **Emotional Impact** - Hamilton's statements reflect a strong emotional connection to animal welfare, which is a significant aspect of his public persona [https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/45519484/hamilton-devastated-hit-groundhog]. ### Conclusion: A Distressing Day for Hamilton In summary, **Lewis Hamilton's experience at the Canadian Grand Prix was marred by an unfortunate incident involving a groundhog**, which not only caused damage to his car but also left him emotionally affected. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the deep connections drivers like Hamilton have with animal welfare. 1. Hamilton hit a groundhog, leading to car damage and performance issues. 2. He finished sixth, while George Russell won the race. 3. Hamilton expressed deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing his love for animals. This incident highlights the intersection of sports, animal rights, and the emotional challenges faced by athletes in high-stakes environments [https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13384081/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-driver-reveals-he-hit-groundhog-during-canadian-gp-in-montreal].