French racing driver Romain Grosjean has drawn the ire of animal rights group Peta following his comments about a bird he struck while testing for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. The incident occurred at speeds of around 230 mph, and Grosjean described the aftermath in graphic detail.

In his remarks, Grosjean stated, "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 anymore; there’s plenty on the aero screen. The helmet stinks, the seat stinks. I didn’t get any chicken for lunch; I just walked past it."

These comments prompted a response from Mimi Bekhechi, senior vice-president for Peta UK and Europe, who criticized Grosjean for his lack of empathy. She remarked, "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."

Peta also highlighted the conditions of birds raised in factory farms and offered to send Grosjean some plant-based chicken as a gesture.

This incident isn’t Grosjean's first encounter with wildlife on the track. In 2018, he collided with a groundhog during practice for the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, which damaged his car and led him to express frustration over the lack of preventive measures by race officials.

The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, and Grosjean competes for Dale Coyne Racing.