Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton revealed the heartbreaking news that his longtime canine companion, Roscoe, has passed away.
In a deeply personal post on X, Hamilton said, “Lost my best friend last night. Thank you all for the love you’ve shown him over the years. Roscoe forever.”
The message immediately surged across social media, drawing condolences from fans, fellow drivers, and et lovers worldwide.
Hamilton’s post offers confirmation of what had until now been circulating as rumor and concern. For days, the F1 community and pet lovers alike had followed updates on Roscoe’s critical condition. Earlier this week, Hamilton withdrew from a Pirelli tyre test at the Mugello circuit in Italy to remain by his dog’s side, as Roscoe battled a relapse of pneumonia that had led to a coma.
In one earlier social media update, Hamilton wrote: “Roscoe caught pneumonia again and was struggling to breathe. He was admitted into hospital … during the process his heart stopped. They managed to get a heartbeat back and now he’s in a coma. We don’t know whether he will wake from this.”
Lost my best friend last night. Thank you all for the love you’ve shown him over the years. Roscoe forever. pic.twitter.com/VRrFBdcsLc
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 29, 2025
Roscoe was more than a pet; he had become a fixture in Hamilton’s public life and travels. Adopted in 2013, Roscoe frequently accompanied Hamilton to Grand Prix events, often seen relaxing in the paddock or greeting fans. Over time, he built his own following, with over a million followers on Instagram.
The dog also played a role in Hamilton’s public advocacy: a few years ago, Hamilton shifted Roscoe to a plant-based diet, crediting the change with improvements in energy, breathing, and general health. In interviews, Hamilton affectionately described Roscoe as mellow, gentle, and surprisingly discerning—“He likes fancy, fancy sneakers,” Hamilton joked in one anecdote.
But the path to this moment was difficult. In September, Roscoe’s pneumonia returned, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. During hospital checks and sedation, his heart stopped, and veterinarians worked to revive him. The medical team succeeded in restarting his heart, but he remained in a coma.
Hamilton publicly expressed his worry, noting that “We don’t know whether he will wake from this,” and pledging to remain by his side. He asked fans for support and prayers.
His decision to prioritize Roscoe’s care over his racing commitments drew empathy—and professional impacts. His absence allowed reserve driver Zhou Guanyu to step in for the Mugello tyre test.
Throughout his career, Hamilton had acknowledged the emotional weight of Roscoe’s advanced age—at 12 years old, Roscoe was reaching the upper limits of bulldog lifespan. In May, Hamilton had admitted anxiety at the thought of losing his companion. “He’s 12-and-a-half years old, so he’s an old boy,” he said in a prior health update.
The bond between Hamilton and Roscoe was deeply personal—amid a high-pressure sport, Roscoe was often described as a constant, grounding presence.
When Coco, Hamilton’s earlier bulldog, passed away at just six years old—likely from a heart condition—the loss hit Hamilton hard. With Roscoe’s passing, Hamilton faces the loss of a companion who had become inseparable from his public identity.