Lewis Hamilton mourned his beloved bulldog Roscoe, who passed away after battling pneumonia. Roscoe was a paddock icon with 1.4 million Instagram followers.
It’s a tiresome period for Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who confirmed that his cherished pet bulldog, Roscoe, passed away after a short but fierce battle with pneumonia.
The seven-time Formula One world champion revealed that Roscoe had been placed in a coma last week and placed on life support.
Hamilton, who had shared emotional updates throughout the ordeal, announced the heartbreaking news on Sunday with a moving tribute on Instagram.
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“After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe,” Hamilton wrote.
“He never stopped fighting, right until the very end. I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend.”
Hamilton added that bringing Roscoe into his life was “the best decision I ever made,” while reflecting on how painful it was to put him to sleep. “It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet,” he said.
A Star Beyond the Track
Roscoe had become a familiar presence in Formula One circles, often spotted alongside Hamilton in the paddock during race weekends. With more than 1.4 million Instagram followers, he was arguably the most famous animal in the sport and even featured in this year’s upcoming F1 movie.
The fan favourite’s demise brought gloom into many others, as Formula One’s official social media account shared their condolences as well online:
“Rest in Peace Roscoe Hamilton, a true star in his own right. Lewis Hamilton’s beloved Roscoe brought smiles to the paddock and warmed the hearts of fans all over the world. Our thoughts are with Lewis during this difficult time,” the post read.
“Rest easy Roscoe, from paddock pup to Dogue icon, thank you for the pawprints you left on all of our hearts.”
Hamilton’s Focus Turns to Singapore
The loss comes just days before the Singapore Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who withdrew from a Pirelli tyre test at Mugello last week to remain by Roscoe’s side, has not yet confirmed whether he will take his place on the grid at Marina Bay.
Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu stepped in for Hamilton at Mugello, but the seven-time World Champion has not decided on this weekend’s race.