Romain Grosjean, the French racing driver who survived a fiery crash during the 2020 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, has drawn criticism from animal rights group Peta for his comments after hitting a bird while testing for the Indianapolis 500.
The Dale Coyne Racing driver struck the bird at approximately 230 mph and described the incident in graphic terms. “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,” Grosjean said. “The helmet stinks, the seat stinks. I didn’t get any chicken for lunch; I just walked past it.”
Peta Responds to Grosjean's Comments
Mimi Bekhechi, senior vice-president for Peta UK and Europe, accused the 40-year-old driver 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 as a gesture.
Not the First Time
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 crossed the track as Grosjean drove through turn 13. The unavoidable collision damaged the nose of his car and drew his ire, as he believed race officials had not done enough to prevent it.
The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 24 May. Grosjean continues to drive for the Dale Coyne Racing team.
