Groundhogs, often known as marmots, are widespread throughout Canada and have disrupted Method 1 occasions because the first Grand Prix was held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 1978.
Montreal’s native rodents are likely to make the venue their house, so drivers should be particularly cautious to keep away from rodents when driving on the road circuit.
Observe environment, Groundhog F1 World Championship, Spherical 9, Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal…
Groundhog, Canadian F1 Grand Prix, Montreal, June 6-8;
Sadly, these little furry animals typically meet their finish after contact with a Method 1 automobile, and drivers might not be capable of keep away from it.
Williams driver Alex Albon suffered severe accidents after colliding with a groundhog in the course of the first observe for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.
🔴Crimson flag🔴
Alex Albon crashes in Williams 😱
He is getting out of the automobile, nevertheless it’s okay.#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/jca4LWx6ot
— Method 1 (@F1) Might 22, 2026
Ultimately 12 months’s Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton collided with a groundhog in the course of the race, inflicting extreme harm to the ground of his Ferrari.
“I did not see it occur, however I heard it hit a groundhog. That is devastating,” stated the seven-time world champion.
“I am very unhappy about that as a result of I really like animals. It is horrible. We have by no means skilled this earlier than right here.
Two years in the past, Max Verstappen nearly hit a groundhog whereas successful the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix.
“He nearly died,” Verstappen stated.
“Once we obtained to the final chicane, at first I assumed it was particles.
“We began to get nearer and nearer and I assumed, oh, that is an animal. So on the final second I modified course. I do not know what occurred after that.”
Romain Grosjean broken the nostril of his Haas automobile after colliding with a groundhog throughout free observe on the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix.
On the time, Ms Grosjean stated she was “upset” that marshals didn’t attempt to catch and take away the groundhog on the truck after it was caught on tv cameras.
How does Canada cope with groundhogs?
Former FIA race director Charlie Whiting stated F1’s governing physique had been suggested to not try and exterminate the rodents.
“After all we noticed a groundhog,” Whiting stated. “I requested if it was potential to catch him, however I used to be instructed by individuals who know quite a bit about groundhogs that it will be very unwise to strive.
“All issues thought-about, we felt it was higher to depart it there so we hoped he would not sprint, however sadly he did.
“They’re indigenous to this island, they’re protected and they’re doing their greatest to go the place they aren’t purported to go.
“We do our greatest to fill all of the holes, however they only dig new holes they usually typically encroach on the course.”
Gary, now we have to go rapidly! 🦫💨#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/6DzsQ0y6a2
— Method 1 (@F1) Might 22, 2026
We all know who the boss is round right here. 🦫🪿
These are the official timing display notes that solely seem when Canadian wildlife comes out to play 😅#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/CYjAFTmbni
— Method 1 (@F1) Might 21, 2026
The Metropolis of Montreal is putting in animal traps across the circuit to cut back the possibility of probably harmful collisions.
Bait is positioned within the lure to lure the groundhog into the cage, which is designed to stop the animal from additional hurt till it may be moved to a safer location.
The groundhog is more likely to make one other look at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, the place drivers might be confronted with a outstanding new problem.
