French racing driver Romain Grosjean has drawn the ire of animal rights group Peta for what it describes as 'flippant' comments following an incident in which he struck a bird while testing for the upcoming Indianapolis 500.
Details of the Incident
The driver, who survived a dramatic fireball crash during the 2020 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, described the bird strike at approximately 230 mph in graphic terms this week. 'I still have blood on my race suit, there were pieces of the bird on the rollbar. I couldn't see where I was going any more, there's plenty on the aero screen,' he said. 'The helmet stinks, the seat stinks. I didn't get any chicken for lunch; I just walked past it.'
Peta's Response
Mimi Bekhechi, the senior vice-president for Peta UK and Europe, accused the 40-year-old of lacking empathy. 'Birds have feelings, apparently more than Grosjean does, considering that he seemed more concerned with his car, helmet, and suit – all replaceable – than the smash-up of this unsuspecting bird,' Bekhechi said in a statement. Peta highlighted the plight of birds raised in factory farms and promised to send Grosjean some plant-based chicken.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Grosjean has struck an animal on a racetrack. In 2018, during practice for Formula One's Canadian Grand Prix, a groundhog entered the course as Grosjean drove through the 13th turn. The unavoidable collision damaged the nose of his car and drew his ire because he said race officials had not done enough to prevent it.
Upcoming Race
The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 24 May. Grosjean drives for the Dale Coyne Racing team.
