The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, said he was deeply saddened after hitting a marmot during the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, which took place on June 9 at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit in Montreal.
“I hit something on the straight on lap 8, I couldn’t see it or avoid it. Later, I was told it was a marmot… It broke my heart.”, he declared, visibly moved, to the press after the race.
The incident unfolded at high speed on one of the fastest sections of the circuit. According to several observers and videos shared on social media, a small animal, identified by the race stewards as a marmot, attempted to cross the track. The impact was inevitable, given the speed of the single-seaters (over 300 km/h on this section).
Hamilton, known for his commitment to animal rights and veganism, quickly expressed his grief: "I'm an animal lover. I really don't feel well at all. It's extremely unfortunate."
A pilot committed to the animal cause
Lewis Hamilton, who has been vegan since 2017, is an active animal rights activist. He regularly supports organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and launched his own vegan burger restaurant, Neat Burger, in 2019.
On his social media, he frequently shares messages in favor of animal protection, notably denouncing the exploitation of animals in food, entertainment, and fashion. This isn't the first time he's expressed his emotion over an incident involving an animal: "We have to find a way to prevent this from happening again. They didn't ask for it; they belong here," he added of the marmot.
A recurring problem in Montreal
The Gilles Villeneuve circuit is located on Notre-Dame Island, in the heart of an urban park surrounded by nature. It's not uncommon for animals, such as squirrels, birds, and marmots, to invade the track. The FIA may need to strengthen the protective measures around the circuit to prevent future accidents of this type.
