SECOND GROUNDHOG HIT BY FORMULA 1 CAR DURING CANADIAN GP WEEKEND

Two groundhogs were struck by Formula 1 cars during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, raising questions about track safety and wildlife management at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Pierre Gasly's Alpine hit one during Saturday's qualifying session, adding to an already challenging weekend for the Frenchman. Team racing director Steve Nielsen confirmed the impact caused significant floor damage in Q1, further compromising Gasly's car handling in Q2.

Gasly, who was already struggling with his car's setup since Miami, felt his car was "extremely slow" but initially unaware of the animal-inflicted damage. This incident followed Alexander Albon's run-in in Friday practice, where he crashed after striking another groundhog. Collisions with wildlife are a recurring issue at the Canadian circuit, with Lewis Hamilton also hitting one last year. The repeated incidents highlight a persistent problem, posing a unique and unpredictable risk for drivers navigating the high-speed track.