Lewis Hamilton had more than just racing on his mind after Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix.
While fighting hard on the circuit, the seven-time world champion accidentally struck and killed a groundhog — an incident that left him both emotionally shaken and with a damaged Ferrari.
The animal tragedy added to a growing list of challenges Hamilton is facing this season, especially after making the high-profile move to Ferrari.
Although he managed to finish sixth in Montreal, the race left him feeling more deflated than satisfied.
A Promising Start Quickly Turns Sour
Things initially looked promising for Hamilton.
He got off to a solid start, maintained position, and was staying close to the front pack.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan — until the unexpected happened.
“It was feeling pretty decent up until then,” he said.
“I was optimistic. The car felt good, I was managing the tyres, and we were right in the mix.”
But then, without warning, he hit the groundhog.
He didn’t see it happen, but later learned what had occurred — and the news devastated him.
Hamilton’s Love for Animals Makes It Even Harder
Hamilton, known for his affection for animals (his dog Roscoe is basically part of the paddock family), was visibly affected by the incident.
“I love animals,” he said. “It’s just horrible. I’m really sad about it.”
Aside from the emotional toll, the impact caused real physical damage to the car.
A hole in the right side of the floor affected performance, and to make matters worse, he experienced brake issues midway through the race.
“It just spiraled,” Hamilton added. “We stayed out too long during the first pit stop and came out behind traffic. One issue led to another.”
Ferrari Frustrations Mounting
Hamilton’s start with Ferrari hasn’t been the dream many hoped for.
For the first time in his F1 career, he’s gone ten races without a podium finish.
After years of dominating with Mercedes, his patience is wearing thin.
“I’m thankful I finished, especially with the brake problem, but we’re clearly in need of an upgrade,” he admitted.
“There’s a lot that needs to change if we’re going to fight at the front.”
Teammate Leclerc Also Disappointed
It wasn’t a perfect weekend for Charles Leclerc either, who managed to finish fifth despite a rough start.
He lost valuable track time after crashing in Friday’s opening practice session and couldn’t quite recover the momentum.
Leclerc, like Hamilton, voiced frustration with how the race unfolded, suggesting Ferrari’s struggles aren’t limited to just one garage.
A Tough Season, and Tougher Moments
Between the emotional impact of the groundhog incident and the mechanical struggles on the track, Hamilton’s 2025 season is proving to be a difficult one.
It’s a stark contrast to his earlier dominance in the sport, and fans can feel his growing frustration.
Still, Hamilton remains a legendary figure in F1, and despite setbacks, he’s pushing forward.
Where Do You Rank Hamilton?
Is Lewis Hamilton still one of the greatest drivers of all time despite his recent struggles? We’d love to hear your thoughts.