Romain Grosjean Faces Animal Rights Backlash After Killing Bird During Indy 500 Test

Romain Grosjean, former F1 driver turned IndyCar standout, killed a pigeon during Indianapolis 500 testing, drawing sharp criticism from animal rights group PETA. The bird collided with his car at roughly 370 km/h, leaving blood and remains on his suit and car, prompting the Frenchman to joke about skipping chicken for lunch.

Why it matters:

• Grosjean's perceived lack of sensitivity could tarnish his reputation as a popular figure in the IndyCar paddock. The incident highlights the friction between motorsport and animal welfare, especially when drivers encounter wildlife on track.
• This is not Grosjean's first animal collision. In 2018 during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, he hit a groundhog at Turn 13, damaging his Haas car's front wing.

The details:

• During a testing session for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, Grosjean struck a pigeon at high speed. The impact left blood on his race suit and bird parts on the roll hoop and aeroscreen, severely affecting visibility.
• Grosjean commented: "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... I didn't get any chicken for lunch; I just walked past it."
• Mimi Bekhechi, senior vice-president of PETA UK and Europe, criticized Grosjean: "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."
• Grosjean is preparing for his fourth Indy 500 appearance, having finished 19th in 2023 and missing last year's race while serving as PREMA Racing's reserve driver.

Between the lines:

• Grosjean's flippant joke about chicken may further provoke animal rights advocates. While the bird strike was accidental, a pattern of two animal incidents in his career could invite scrutiny from sponsors and fans who prioritize ethical treatment of animals—though his on-track reputation as a safe and passionate driver remains intact.