Max Verstappen has revealed that his victory in the Canadian Grand Prix came despite a bird getting lodged in his brake duct.
The remains of the unfortunate animal were discovered in the Dutchman’s Red Bull car after Sunday’s race, the driver having reported hitting a bird early on in the 70-lap race.
Verstappen told Sky Sports: “It was still stuck on my car when I came in, it didn’t look great. I also feel sorry for the mechanic having to remove it.”
Replays showed Verstappen hitting the bird as he went over the kerb at Turn 4, after which he told team radio: “I think I hit a bird.”
Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villenueve is situated on the city’s Notre Dame Island and is unique on the Formula One calendar for its close proximity to wildlife.
Groundhogs are regular visitors to the circuit - even when cars are out on track.
Verstappen extended his lead atop the F1 standings with his fourth race victory in a row, by a margin of nine seconds over Fernando Alonso.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: “I think the biggest moment he had was hitting a bird that did half the race behind the front right brake duct. The remains of a bird.”
