Lewis Hamilton has pulled out of a scheduled Pirelli tyre test with Ferrari on Friday following a distressing health emergency involving his dog Roscoe. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion faced difficult moments on Wednesday as his beloved English bulldog slipped into a coma after suffering complications from pneumonia.
On the same day, Zhou Guanyu stepped in to drive for Ferrari at the Mugello circuit, replacing Hamilton for the test designed to help develop the new tyres slated for the 2026 F1 season. This change came amid broader uncertainties affecting several drivers and team changes within Formula 1.
Hamilton’s Dog Roscoe Suffers Life-Threatening Pneumonia Complications
Lewis Hamilton revealed that his 12-year-old English bulldog Roscoe’s health rapidly deteriorated after contracting pneumonia, leading to the dog’s heart briefly stopping during treatment. Hamilton described the situation as a “scary few hours,” indicating the emotional turmoil caused by the abrupt medical crisis. Efforts were planned for Saturday to attempt to revive Roscoe, underscoring the severity of the condition.
Roscoe Health Crisis Leads to Hamilton Missing Ferrari’s Tyre Test
Ferrari had originally intended for Hamilton to share driving responsibilities with Charles Leclerc during Friday’s Pirelli tyre evaluation at Mugello. However, Zhou Guanyu took over all test laps after Hamilton withdrew, a decision confirmed to be directly linked to Roscoe’s health scare. This unexpected absence deprived Hamilton of a key role in the tyre development process ahead of next year’s season regulations.
Emerging Legal Battle for Felipe Massa Over 2008 Championship
In related F1 news, former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa is preparing to pursue a significant legal case at the High Court in London starting next month. Massa is reportedly demanding up to $82 million in damages concerning events surrounding the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship outcome. The case has attracted attention from experts such as Mat Coch, who has examined the potential merits of this high-profile lawsuit.
Red Bull’s Future Driver Lineup in Question Amidst Team Changes
Amid ongoing team shifts, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson face a possible exit from Red Bull after the 2025 season despite recent improved performances at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Red Bull might replace them with Arvid Lindblad and Alex Dunne for the junior Racing Bulls team. Dunne, currently a McLaren junior competing in Formula 2, has reportedly drawn interest from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
Christian Horner’s Move to Aston Martin Unlikely, Says Guenther Steiner
Following a $100 million settlement severing ties with Red Bull, Christian Horner’s potential switch to Aston Martin appears improbable. Guenther Steiner, former Haas F1 team principal, cited existing issues between Horner and engineer Adrian Newey as a key deterrent to this move. Horner’s departure marks a significant shift in the top echelons of Formula 1 management, but his next steps remain uncertain.
The unexpected health emergency involving Lewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe has not only affected Hamilton personally but has also impacted Ferrari’s testing schedule and the development of new Pirelli tyres for the 2026 F1 season. This episode highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport where personal challenges intersect with professional commitments. Meanwhile, legal disputes, driver futures, and management changes continue to create an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty across the Formula 1 landscape.
“It comes after the seven-time World Champion experienced a scary few hours on Wednesday evening.” ? Anonymous
“Roscoe’s heart stopped during treatment for his illness. Hamilton confirmed that an attempt to wake the 12-year-old English bulldog will be made on Saturday.” ? Anonymous
“That is the claim of Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 boss, who believes the apparent problem between Horner and Adrian Newey means a switch to Aston Martin would not work.” ? Guenther Steiner, Former Haas F1 Team Principal
