Lewis Hamilton opened up about the deep support he received after the loss of his cherished pet dog, Roscoe, this past weekend. Following 12 years together, Hamilton said goodbye to the British bulldog on Sunday night, after Roscoe fell into a coma battling pneumonia.
Roscoe was more than a pet to Hamilton, who has often been accompanied by his bulldogs, Roscoe and Coco, in the paddock over the years. With Coco’s passing in 2020 still fresh in memory, the recent loss of Roscoe was an emotional blow for the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion.
The Bond Between Hamilton and His Bulldogs
Hamilton’s strong attachment to Roscoe was evident in his heartfelt tributes posted on social media after the dog died in his arms. As Hamilton has no children or publicly known partner, his pets and close family have played crucial emotional roles throughout his career, especially in challenging phases.
While 2024 has been a tough year for Hamilton, particularly during his adaptation to Ferrari, recent races have shown signs of increasing confidence and competitiveness. However, the impact of losing Roscoe remains affecting Hamilton as Formula 1 arrives in Singapore this weekend.
At the Marina Bay track, Hamilton acknowledged the overwhelming volume of support he received.
I’ve not been able to reply to everybody, but yeah, he was the most important thing in my life, so it was a very difficult experience.
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
The initial announcement of Roscoe’s death attracted nearly 10 million reactions globally, along with more than 300,000 messages of condolence, underscoring Roscoe’s broad impact beyond Hamilton’s immediate circle.
Hamilton reflected on the universal experience of losing a beloved pet and the profound love they bring.
I know so many people in the world have gone through it, and know what it’s like to have a pet that’s just…
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
He added,
“They give you such amazing love, and it’s an amazing experience.”
Despite the grief, Hamilton expressed his determination to focus on his racing.
But yeah, I’m really just looking forward to now just getting back in the car and doing what I love doing here.
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Hamilton Reflects on His Performance and Fan Encouragement
When asked if he felt motivated to achieve a strong race result in honor of Roscoe, Hamilton emphasized the collective support from his team, tifosi fans, and followers during a challenging season.
I think it’s in moments like that where you really see people show up for you, and that’s been really overwhelming to see, and really well welcomed.
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Although he has yet to secure a podium or victory in the 2025 F1 season, Hamilton has demonstrated improved pace in comparison to his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, despite some weekend execution issues that limited his points haul.
Backing From Ferrari Leadership Amid a Challenging Season
Hamilton spoke highly of the encouragement provided by Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur during this period of adjustment to the Scuderia.
Fred’s supporting me has been amazing,
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Hamilton acknowledged that 2024 has not been a flawless year but highlighted the team’s progress through learning and growing stronger together.
He described Ferrari as more united and solid than ever, while recognizing areas that still require improvement.
We look at the last race, and our shortcomings are things that it’s better to have now in a championship when we’re not fighting for a championship, than in the moment we are.
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
As the 2025 Formula 1 season advances with new rules on the horizon, Hamilton’s determination to bounce back remains clear. The support from fans, his team, and leadership will play an essential role in his attempts to improve results and regain a winning form.
Hamilton’s reflection on Roscoe’s significance and the outpouring of condolence messages underscore not only his personal loss but also the strong connection between the driver and his global supporters as he continues his pursuit of success with Ferrari.
