Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton shared the sad news of his dog Roscoe’s passing. The English bulldog, who had been a constant presence in Hamilton’s life and the F1 world for over a decade, succumbed to a sudden health crisis on Sunday evening.
Roscoe, aged 12, was rushed to the hospital last week after developing severe pneumonia, which left him struggling to breathe. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion now racing for Ferrari, revealed that his beloved pet was placed in a coma and required life support for four days.
Despite the dog’s valiant fight, Hamilton made the difficult choice to let him go peacefully, holding Roscoe in his arms during his final moments.
The driver, who skipped a scheduled Pirelli tire test with Ferrari to stay by Roscoe’s side, expressed his deep gratitude for the years they shared. “Adopting Roscoe was one of the greatest choices I’ve ever made,” Hamilton posted on social media.
He highlighted the unbreakable bond they formed, describing Roscoe as a “true friend” and an “angel” whose memory he will always treasure.
This loss echoes a previous heartbreak for Hamilton, who lost his other bulldog, Coco, five years ago to heart issues. Reflecting on the experience, the 40-year-old racer noted that while he’s familiar with grief from losing pets, this was the first time he had to make the agonizing decision to end treatment.
He extended empathy to others who’ve faced similar pain, emphasizing the profound joy of loving a pet despite the inevitable sorrow.
Roscoe joined Hamilton’s family in 2013, just as the driver began his dominant era with Mercedes, where he clinched six of his seven titles.
The laid-back bulldog quickly became a fan favorite, amassing over 1.4 million Instagram followers and making regular appearances in the F1 paddock.
From celebrating race wins to mingling with fellow drivers’ pets—like a recent meet-up with Charles Leclerc’s dachshund, Leo—Roscoe’s charm endeared him to the motorsport community.
Despite ongoing health challenges common to the breed, such as breathing difficulties, Roscoe traveled extensively with Hamilton, who prioritized his companion’s well-being in his later years.
“He’s an old boy now, and I want to make the most of our time,” Hamilton had said earlier this season.
As Hamilton navigates a tough first year with Ferrari—sitting sixth in the standings without a podium yet—the racing world has rallied around him with messages of support.
The 2025 F1 season resumes in Singapore this weekend, but for now, the focus is on remembering a furry icon who brought light to the high-speed world of Formula 1.
