During the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, Lewis Hamilton unintentionally ran over a groundhog on the 4.361-kilometer Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve track, significantly affecting his race performance. This unexpected event reduced the downforce on Hamilton’s Ferrari SF-25 by approximately 20 points, slowing his pace throughout the 70-lap race.
The Canadian GP is known for its annual visits from groundhogs, including a familiar figure named Gary. Drivers typically maneuver carefully to avoid these animals, sometimes altering their racing lines even on straight sections. Despite these precautions, Hamilton’s car sustained damage after hitting one of the groundhogs, which appeared to cause underbody issues, as captured in a video circulated on social media platform X.
Hamilton began the race in fifth position but was ultimately surpassed by his teammate, finishing sixth.
Ongoing Challenges for Hamilton with the Ferrari SF-25
After spending twelve years driving for Mercedes from 2013 to 2024, Lewis Hamilton transferred to Ferrari in pursuit of fulfilling a long-held dream. While his arrival led to Carlos Sainz’s departure from the Maranello-based team, Hamilton’s start to the 2024 season with Ferrari has been fraught with difficulties.
Although the seven-time world champion showed strong performances in Sprint races, Charles Leclerc has consistently outpaced Hamilton in the main Grand Prix events during the early races of the season. This disparity has highlighted the challenges Hamilton faces in adapting to his new car.
Hamilton has openly discussed the adjustment required to cope with Ferrari’s different braking system and power unit technology. Despite his experience, these changes have proved tough to master over the first ten races.
Reflecting on his ongoing battle with the SF-25 before the Canadian GP, Hamilton said:
“This car… it’s like someone that can’t dance. Someone that has no rhythm, you know? Trying to get someone that doesn’t have rhythm to have rhythm, it’s very, very difficult. That’s how it feels with this car.” —Lewis Hamilton, driver
Additional Drama at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve: Norris and Piastri Collision
Aside from Hamilton’s groundhog-related setback, the Canadian GP was marked by a significant on-track incident involving Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The two teammates collided on the pit straight in the closing laps, forcing Norris to retire and allowing Piastri to secure fourth place.
Implications for Hamilton and Ferrari Moving Forward
Hamilton’s incident with the groundhog highlights the unpredictable challenges that can affect race outcomes, especially when already struggling to harness the Ferrari SF-25. The damage from this collision compounded Hamilton’s difficulties throughout the weekend, underscoring the uphill battle he faces to consistently compete with top rivals like Leclerc.
As the season progresses, Hamilton and the Ferrari team will need to focus on improving car reliability and performance while finding ways to avoid such race disruptions. The Canadian GP showcased the fragile margins in Formula 1 that can influence championship trajectories, leaving Ferrari and Hamilton with crucial lessons ahead.
