Lewis Hamilton has expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support after the loss of his cherished dog, Roscoe. Roscoe passed away earlier this week following a serious struggle with pneumonia, having been placed into a coma shortly after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Roscoe’s Journey From Fan Favorite to Hamilton’s Loyal Companion
Roscoe had become a beloved figure among fans since he started accompanying Hamilton to races in the mid-2010s. The dog continued to be by Hamilton’s side through his move from Mercedes to Ferrari over the winter, often seen in the paddock at the Briton’s new team base.
Ongoing Challenges and Decisions in the Racing Season
Amid personal loss, Hamilton is also preparing for the challenges of the demanding 2023 racing calendar. Following safety concerns raised about extreme heat at the recent Qatar Grand Prix, drivers have been offered an option to wear cooling vests in the car. Originally planned as mandatory, the rule was adjusted after trials, allowing those who opt out to carry additional weight to ensure no competitive advantage is gained.
Hamilton addressed the decision to use the cooling vest ahead of Sunday’s race, known as one of the toughest on the Formula 1 circuit. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, remains undecided on whether he will wear the vest.
“Last year I struggled quite a lot with the heat here, but I’m not really sure, as the jacket is quite uncomfortable and pinches my back. Let’s see how it goes in free practice and then I’ll decide.”
— Lewis Hamilton
The Impact of Loss and Upcoming Race Preparations
As Hamilton copes with Roscoe’s loss, the season continues to test the world champion’s resilience both on and off the track. The emotional toll of losing a close companion is balanced against the focus required for the intense conditions ahead, especially with decisions like wearing the cooling vest still to be finalized. Roscoe’s presence will be missed deeply by Hamilton and fans alike as the season moves forward.
