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Lewis Hamilton ended up damaging his Ferrari and killing a groundhog during the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton has gone 10 races without a podium this season. (AP Photo)
Lewis Hamilton expressed his devastation upon learning that he had struck and killed a groundhog, which also caused damage to his Ferrari, while on his way to finishing sixth in the Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who often brings his French bulldog Roscoe to Grands Prix, mentioned that he did not see the groundhog and believed the incident affected his car’s performance after a strong start on Sunday.
“It was feeling pretty decent up until then,” the seven-time world champion said. “I got a good start, held position, and was keeping up with the leading group. I was managing the tyres well, so I was feeling optimistic. I didn’t see it happen, but I heard I hit a groundhog. That’s devastating because I love animals and I’m so sad about it. It’s horrible. That’s never happened to me before here, but the floor—basically the right side—had a hole in it.
“Given that, along with a brake issue halfway through, and probably staying out too long during the first stop resulting in coming out behind traffic… it went from one problem to another.”
Having gone 10 races without a podium this season for the first time in his Formula One career since joining Ferrari, Hamilton was showing growing frustration with the team’s disappointing start to the year.
“I’m grateful that I finished, especially with the brake issue I had. We really need an upgrade, but a lot of things need to change for us to compete at the front.”
Team-mate Charles Leclerc finished fifth despite missing much of Friday practice after crashing in the opening session, but expressed frustration with how his race had unfolded.
With AFP Inputs
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
- Location :
Montreal (Canada)
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