Shocking: Lewis Hamilton’s Damage Early On in the Race Was Caused by a Groundhog

At 11:15 AM +07 on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a bizarre incident has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community following the latest Grand Prix. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered significant damage to his Mercedes early in the race, and the culprit? An unexpected groundhog.

The Unbelievable Incident

The race, held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, started with high anticipation, but chaos ensued within the first few laps. Hamilton, starting in a promising fourth position, reported a sudden jolt and loss of control after hitting an object on the track. Initial speculation pointed to debris, but race officials later confirmed the mysterious obstacle was a groundhog that had wandered onto the circuit. The collision damaged Hamilton’s front wing and forced him into an early pit stop, effectively ending his chances of a podium finish.

Footage from onboard cameras captured the moment the small animal darted across the track, leaving fans and commentators in disbelief. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Hamilton said post-race, shaking his head. “One minute I’m fighting for position, the next I’m dodging a groundhog!”

Investigation and Reaction

FIA officials launched an immediate investigation to determine how the groundhog breached track security. Preliminary reports suggest a lapse in perimeter checks allowed the animal to enter, raising concerns about safety protocols. The incident has sparked humorous yet critical reactions on social media, with the hashtag #GroundhogGate trending on X. Fans posted memes of Hamilton swerving, with captions like “Even nature wants to race Lewis!”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed frustration, stating, “This is an unprecedented event. We’re reviewing the damage, but it’s clear this cost us the race.” Rivals, including Max Verstappen, couldn’t resist a jab, with Verstappen quipping, “Maybe Lewis should add groundhog tires to his setup next time.”

Fallout and Future Implications

Hamilton finished the race in 12th place, a disappointing result that dropped him further in the championship standings. The FIA has promised to enhance wildlife monitoring measures, while environmental groups have called for a balance between safety and preserving local fauna. As of now, no penalties have been issued, but the incident has ignited debates about track safety standards.

This wild turn of events at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix will surely be remembered as one of the strangest moments in F1 history. Stay tuned for updates on www.formula1.com or join the conversation on X with #GroundhogGate.