During Thursday’s media day at the F1 Mexico City GP, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton shared an emotional reflection about the impact his late dog, Roscoe, had on his life and what pet ownership has taught him about himself.
Roscoe passed away in late September 2025 after battling pneumonia. While in Mexico, many paid tribute to the English bulldog who was one of Hamilton’s closest companion along with their dog Coco.
How growing up with dogs shaped his outlook on kindness
Known for his love of dogs, the British driver shared that growing up with them not only helped him become gentler, but also shaped his outlook on kindness, empathy and responsibility towards people and animals.
“When I was born, my parents already had a Labrador, he was like my guardian angel,” Hamilton recalled. “Almost all my baby pictures, he’s laying next to me. The first real heartbreak I remember was losing him when I was six.”
The exposure to animals at a young age helped the driver maintain a lifelog bond with them, Roscoe became a prevalent part of the paddock as Hamilton’s plus one during race weekend and also made a special appearance in the F1 movie — not only that, the bulldog became a fan favorite on social media with his own Instagram account where Hamilton shared pictures and updates from their travels and Roscoe’s playful nature.
Life after Roscoe
He revealed that Roscoe’s passing a few weeks ago left a quiet space in his home but not in his heart.
“For me, my house is really quiet now because I don’t have Roscoe or Coco in my life,” he said. “But I still have his bed and his toys everywhere, so he’s still very much a part of the furniture.”
How pet ownership teaches unconditional love
For the Scuderia Ferrari driver, pet ownership is more than just taking care of an animal — it’s about learning lessons in empathy, unconditional love and joy that we can emulate in our daily lives; describing it as the kind of love you don’t feel anywhere else.
“I think the great thing about having a pet is that they teach you unconditional love. You learn empathy. You feel love that you can’t really get from anywhere else. They bring happiness every day, they’re just the most joyous beings in the world.”
Roscoe, famously plant-based like Hamilton, symbolized his owner’s compassion for animals and commitment to ethical living. Beyond being Hamilton’s travel companion, Roscoe also represented the gentler, more grounded side of the man constantly under the spotlight.
“I feel very, very grateful that I’ve grown up with pets. If I ever have kids, I’d always want them to have a pet. It brings so much warmth into your home and into your life.”
