Lewis Hamilton has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of kindness following the death of his dog Roscoe earlier this week. The 40-year-old Formula 1 driver shared that he missed a tyre test event with his Ferrari team to stay by Roscoe’s side as the bulldog was placed in a coma before passing away in Hamilton’s arms on Sunday night.
Hamilton adopted Roscoe in 2013 alongside another bulldog named Coco, who sadly died in 2020 from a suspected heart attack. The loss of Roscoe followed a difficult summer in which Hamilton’s mother also lost her dog, and a close friend experienced a similar grief in September.
Hamilton Reflects on Grief and Support Received
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton spoke openly about the emotional impact of Roscoe’s passing and the outpouring of sympathy he has received worldwide. He highlighted how much Roscoe meant to many people beyond his immediate circle, saying,
“It’s been amazing to see the support from so many people around the world. It’s overwhelming to see how much Roscoe helped and touched people,” Lewis Hamilton
He also acknowledged the difficulty of losing a pet, stressing the shared pain among those who have experienced similar losses,
“The kind messages I’ve received have been uplifting. Anyone out there who knows how to lose a pet, they know how painful it is,” Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton cited a quote that resonated with his feelings about grief and love,
“I read somewhere that grief is the last act of love and I’m definitely feeling that,” Lewis Hamilton
He added advice for coping with such loss, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during challenging times,
“I remind yourself that every day will get a bit better, just to cultivate a positive mental attitude through the tough phase,” Lewis Hamilton
Reflecting on the broader context, Hamilton contrasted the darkness of global events with the hope and empathy he has found through the support surrounding Roscoe’s passing,
“But through this experience, there is a lot of empathy, a lot of love and caring people which gives me a lot of hope for mankind. To experience that, that’s what Roscoe has taught me,” Lewis Hamilton
Roscoe’s Presence at Key Moments in Hamilton’s Career
Roscoe was more than a pet to Hamilton, often accompanying him to races, including the 2024 British Grand Prix where Hamilton secured his first victory in two and a half years. The dog’s constant companionship provided comfort through the highs and lows of his career.
Hamilton’s Outlook Ahead of Singapore Grand Prix
Following a challenging weekend in Baku, where Hamilton qualified 12th and finished eighth behind race winner Max Verstappen, he expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. Hamilton highlighted improvements in his performance and his comfort within the Ferrari car since the summer break, saying,
“I feel optimistic. There’s lots of positives to take from the last race. I’m definitely feeling better in the car,” Lewis Hamilton
“This has been a track that’s generally been good for me in the past. I’m really excited to try a Ferrari here for the first time and the different characteristics it has compared to my previous cars and see if we can execute better. If we can qualify better, we will have a much better result,” Lewis Hamilton
The tight and demanding layout of the Singapore street circuit, with its emphasis on traction and high downforce, is expected to suit Ferrari’s strengths. Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate, claimed pole position at the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, a circuit with similar demands, which fuels hopes for a strong team performance.
Hamilton, a four-time winner of the Singapore Grand Prix, remains confident about his chances to achieve a positive result at this weekend’s event under the lights, stating,
“It’s a track I’ve gone well at and I’ve started to feel a lot better in the car since the summer break. However, the results haven’t shown that just yet but it’s gonna happen. I’m hoping it will be this weekend,” Lewis Hamilton
“Having known places like Baku, how the car reacts, hopefully I can start a couple steps ahead of the last race and I hope we can carry that through this weekend,” Lewis Hamilton
Singapore Grand Prix Schedule and Broadcast Details
The Singapore Grand Prix weekend kicks off with F1 Academy practice and qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, leading up to the main race on Sunday. Sky Sports F1 will provide live coverage of the event, including build-ups, qualifying, and post-race analysis. Fans can stream all races through Sky Sports with NOW, offering flexible access to the high-stakes drama of the Formula 1 title fight.
Significance of Hamilton’s Personal Experience Amid Racing Season
As Lewis Hamilton grapples with his dog loss, his vulnerability adds a human dimension to his role as a competitor during a critical phase of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The heartfelt support from fans and peers underscores how personal struggles resonate beyond the track, fostering empathy among the global motorsport community.
Hamilton’s openness about Roscoe’s passing and his reflections on grief may inspire others coping with loss, while his renewed focus and optimism ahead of the demanding Singapore Grand Prix highlight his determination to rebound in both life and racing.
