Lewis Hamilton has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he received after the loss of his cherished dog, Roscoe. The seven-time world champion revealed the news on Monday, sharing that Roscoe had passed away following a struggle with pneumonia.
Roscoe’s death led Hamilton to miss a Pirelli tyre test at Mugello, as the dog had fallen into a coma during medical checks. Over the years, Roscoe became a familiar figure within the Formula 1 paddock and was adored by many fans around the world.
Since announcing his dog’s passing, Hamilton has been flooded with messages from fellow drivers, teams, and admirers. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, he reflected on his bond with Roscoe, describing him as “the most important thing” in his life.
Addressing reporters in Singapore, Hamilton said,
“Yeah, lots of messages. Quite overwhelming to be honest to see just how many people Roscoe touched around the world and really heartwarming to receive.”
He continued,
“I’ve not been able to reply to everybody but it was the most important thing in my life so it was a very difficult experience. I know so many people in the world have gone through it and know what it’s like to have a pet that gives you such amazing love and it’s an amazing experience.”
But 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
Assessing Hamilton’s Prospects at the Singapore Grand Prix
As Hamilton prepares for the Marina Bay Street Circuit, he continues to seek his first podium finish with Ferrari. His last outing ended with an eighth-place finish, narrowly ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Following the summer break, Hamilton has demonstrated improvement but has yet to achieve standout results. He acknowledged the challenges of driving a Ferrari at Singapore for the first time and remains cautiously optimistic.
“It’s difficult to say because this will be the first time driving a Ferrari around Singapore,”
Hamilton explained. “But the car felt really great starting the last grand prix and we just didn’t carry that through the weekend. But as I said there’s been learnings as to why that was and so I think we’ll have a better approach this weekend.
He added,
“And obviously the last week I’ve not had as much time as I’d like with the team but I know they’ve been working very hard back at the factory. And we’ve caught up over the last couple of days so I’m feeling optimistic of getting in. I have no clue how quick the others are going to be.”
They’re obviously going to be fast, the Red Bulls very quick and as is the McLarens and Mercedes also. So we’ve got a lot of work to do.
Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
Support From the F1 Community Following Personal Loss
Roscoe’s presence within the Formula 1 community over the years made the loss deeply felt by many. Hamilton’s decision to miss testing to be with Roscoe during his illness highlighted the strong bond they shared. The wide range of messages from fellow drivers, teams, and fans reflects the profound connection Roscoe had throughout the paddock.
Hamilton’s openness about his grief and the significance of Roscoe’s companionship adds a personal dimension to his public life as a top driver. His resolve to focus on racing at the Singapore Grand Prix shows a blend of personal strength and professional determination moving forward.
