Animal rights organisation hits back at former F1 driver with scathing statement after bird death

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has issued a withering response to Romain Grosjean after the former F1 driver made light of striking and killing a bird at approximately 230mph during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

The incident occurred on Tuesday during the first day of the two-day Indy 500 open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, when Grosjean's Dale Coyne Racing Honda clipped the bird through Turn 3.

The Frenchman was left with blood splattered across his race suit and pieces of the bird lodged on his rollbar, with debris also covering his helmet and seat whilst partially obstructing his aero screen.

However, Grosjean's response to the incident drew sharp criticism from the world's largest animal rights group after he joked about the collision.

"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."

Mimi Bekhechi, PETA senior vice president for the UK and Europe, delivered a sharp reply to Grosjean's remarks.

"Romain Grosjean had better hope he doesn't fail his next race as badly as he has failed Empathy 101," Bekhechi said.

"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.

"Instead of just passing up chicken for lunch, may we suggest that he steer clear of harming any birds or other animals whose lives on factory farms and terrifying deaths in slaughterhouses are the pits.

"PETA France will be sending Grosjean some plant-based chicken to help get his vegan lifestyle 'on track'."

This is not the first time Grosjean has been involved in a collision with wildlife on track. During practice for the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix, the 10-time F1 podium finisher struck a groundhog, causing significant damage to the front wing of his Haas.