Alex Albon collided with the barriers after striking a groundhog during practice for the Canadian Grand Prix. The incident occurred at turn seven on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Montreal's Isle Notre Dame. Groundhogs on the track have become a recurring feature during race weekends in recent years.
Williams confirmed that the 30-year-old driver was unable to avoid the local inhabitant. The team now faces a significant repair job ahead of sprint qualifying later on Friday. Albon, a known animal lover whose pets have their own Instagram account, returned to the garage with over half of the sole practice session remaining.
Last year, Lewis Hamilton expressed devastation after hitting a groundhog during the race. The incident adds to the challenges for Williams, who are working to prepare the car for the upcoming session.
Mercedes Dominance Continues
Mercedes unveiled their first major upgrade package of the season as the dominant team in 2026, having won all four races so far. Kimi Antonelli, 19, has won the last three races and holds a 20-point advantage over teammate George Russell. Antonelli topped the practice session, finishing 0.142 seconds ahead of Russell.
Russell, who won in Montreal last season and secured pole position in the last two years, faces pressure to deliver this weekend. He suffered a spin late in the session but avoided the barriers. Lewis Hamilton was over seven-tenths off the pace in third, ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
McLaren's Upgrades
McLaren introduced the second half of their upgrade package in Montreal, including a new front wing, aiming to bring Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri back into championship contention. Norris finished sixth, 1.397 seconds behind Antonelli.
