The first practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix was red flagged after Williams driver Alex Albon collided with a groundhog which sent him crashing into the barriers.
The 30-year-old racer could do nothing to evade the animal which was situated on the exit of Turn Seven as he ran over it before sliding into the side wall.
The car continued for some way down the straight, and while Albon was not injured in the incident, the car suffered significant damage.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Williams team principal James Vowles said: “It’s one of the risks of this circuit. I know that sounds strange. Unfortunately there’s been a few of these.
“He [Albon] has hit a marmot [groundhog] and the damage is extensive from that point onwards.
“He needed this session. You get 60 minutes and that’s it, and to lose over half of it is frustrating.
“Back in the garage he’s more worried about his mum, who suspects he’s going to have to pay to adopt a family of marmots because that’s a consequence of that.”
Following practice, Mercedes George Russell took pole position for the sprint race ahead of teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Lando Norris placed third behind the two Mercedes but ahead of McLaren rival Oscar Piastri.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc secured the third row after looking fast during the early part of the weekend.
Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship by 20 points from Russell, with the Italian teenage sensation having won each of the last three races.
More to follow.
