Williams driver runs over a badger during Canadian testing
The red flag was briefly raised during the first practice sessions of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend, after Williams driver Alex Albon was involved in an accident after colliding with a ground badger. The Williams team confirmed that the incident occurred when "Albon reached Turn 7 and unfortunately was unable to avoid a ground badger" that had entered the track. The 30-year-old driver crashed into the barriers, scattering debris across the track.
The practice session was subsequently extended by an additional 15 minutes beyond its usual one-hour duration. The session had already been extended by an additional four minutes after Liam Lawson caused a red flag by stopping in Sector 1. Williams later added: “Following an incident in the first free practice session involving animals on the track, Alex will not participate in qualifying for this afternoon’s sprint race. Despite the team’s best efforts to repair the car, the damage was more extensive than initially thought, requiring a gearbox and power unit replacement.
It’s unfortunate for Alex, but we look forward to applying all the lessons Carlos learned in the garage to ensure we are fully prepared for tomorrow’s sessions.” This is one of the dangers of the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Canada, which is located on the artificial Notre Dame Island within the Jean Drapeau Park.
There have always been countless moments over the years of ground badgers appearing on the sides of the track or daring to cross it, as one of them decided to do. Nicholas Latifi in 2018 and Romain Grosjean four years later in 2022 both collided with ground badgers during practice sessions. Just last year, Lewis Hamilton hit one during a race, around lap 12.
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