BREAKING NEWS: Lewis Hamilton Health Update RELEASED After D… read more
F1 Provides Health and Emotional Update on Lewis Hamilton After Canadian GP Incident
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has received a fresh health and emotional update following an unexpected and distressing incident during the Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Ferrari driver, who has long been an outspoken advocate for animal rights and a dedicated vegan, found himself in a deeply troubling situation when he accidentally struck a groundhog that had wandered onto the track.
The incident took place in the early stages of the race, around lap 13, when Hamilton’s car made sudden contact with the animal. Although he admitted he did not see it beforehand, Hamilton said he heard the impact and immediately knew what had happened. Speaking after the Grand Prix, the Briton confessed to being devastated, expressing sadness and regret that the accident occurred. He added that he could only hope the animal did not suffer, acknowledging how emotionally overwhelming the experience was for him.
For Hamilton, who has repeatedly used his global platform to promote animal welfare, the incident was especially painful. He described it as one of the hardest moments of his racing career outside of competition itself, as it struck directly at his values and beliefs. He admitted that controlling his emotions post-race was difficult, as the situation left him shaken.
From a racing perspective, the accident also had significant technical repercussions. The collision caused structural damage to the floor of Hamilton’s Ferrari, particularly on the right-hand side of the chassis. Ferrari engineers later revealed that the airflow beneath the car was severely disrupted, reducing downforce and making the car unbalanced. As a result, Hamilton lost nearly half a second per lap compared to expected performance levels.
On top of this, Hamilton struggled with ongoing brake issues throughout the remainder of the race. The combination of reduced aerodynamic efficiency and braking difficulties meant he could not mount a strong challenge for the podium. Despite beginning the weekend with optimism and a car that looked competitive, Hamilton had to settle for sixth place by the chequered flag—a result that fell short of his and Ferrari’s ambitions.
Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the groundhog collision significantly affected performance and admitted that there was little the team could do to repair such damage during the race. He emphasised that while the result was disappointing, their focus has now shifted toward Austria’s upcoming Grand Prix, where Ferrari hopes to introduce upgrades to regain momentum.
Beyond the technical analysis, the incident revealed another side of Hamilton’s character. His commitment to compassion and animal welfare has been a defining feature of his public life, and this accident tested those values in a way few could have anticipated. Although physically uninjured, the Briton’s distress was evident, showing how the unpredictable nature of motorsport can affect drivers both professionally and personally.
This unique episode in Montreal highlighted that Formula 1, for all its speed and precision, remains vulnerable to nature’s unpredictability. For Hamilton, it was a stark reminder of the emotional challenges that can accompany life on the track—proving once again that racing is about far more than just machinery and lap times.
About The Author
