Alex Albon collides with groundhog in Canadian Grand Prix practice

By Scott Hunt, Press Association F1 Reporter, Montreal

Alex Albon crashed into the barriers after hitting a groundhog in practice at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Williams confirmed that the 30-year-old was unable to avoid the local inhabitant as he rounded turn seven.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve sits in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Montreal’s Isle Notre Dame and groundhogs on track have become a regular feature during race weekends over the years.

Williams were left with a major repair job to do ahead of sprint qualifying later on Friday as Albon – a huge animal lover whose pets have their own Instagram account – headed back to the garage with over half the sole practice session remaining.