Lewis Hamilton has announced that his beloved bulldog, Roscoe, died peacefully in his arms on Sunday, 28 September. He shared the news in an emotional social media post, calling bringing Roscoe into his life “the best decision” he ever made, and thanking the motorsport community for their compassion and support.
Staying at Roscoe’s side in his last days
The seven-time world champion warned fans last week that he had gone through a “scary few hours” with Roscoe’s health. He urged supporters to keep his bulldog in their “thoughts and prayers” as Roscoe battled a serious condition. On Friday, Hamilton revealed that Roscoe had caught pneumonia and struggled to breathe, which led to a coma.
“He was admitted into hospital and sedated to calm him while they did checks on him and during the process his heart stopped. They managed to get a heartbeat back and now he’s in a coma.”
On Friday at Mugello, Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu replaced Hamilton after Hamilton withdrew from Pirelli’s 2026 tyre test.
The hardest decision one can make
After four days in a coma, Hamilton faced the most painful call of his life and chose to put Roscoe, a fixture at his side for many years to sleep. He described the experience as one of the “most painful” he had endured and confirmed that Roscoe passed away in his arms, at peace. Roscoe’s death comes five years after another of Hamilton’s dogs, Coco, passed away.
He wrote: “After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe. He never stopped fighting, right until the very end.
“I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend. Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.
“Although I lost Coco, I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before, though I know my mum and many close friends have. It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet. Although it was so hard, having him was one of the most beautiful parts of life, to love so deeply and to be loved in return.
“Thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown Roscoe over the years. It has been so special to witness and feel. He died on Sunday evening, 28th September in my arms.”
A tribute to a paddock star
Roscoe stood as the paddock’s original canine celebrity long before Charles Leclerc’s Leo and Pierre Gasly’s Simba charmed fans. Hamilton adopted Roscoe and his sister, Coco, in 2013, his first season with Mercedes. The pair accompanied him during grand prix weekends and delighted supporters and team members alike. Coco died from a heart attack in 2020, and Roscoe carried their shared legacy forward with his regular appearances at race weekends.
The Formula 1 community has lost a much-loved friend again. Since his first steps in the paddock, Roscoe evolved into far more than Hamilton’s pet. He brought joy to millions of fans and stood as a symbol of comfort and unconditional love for Hamilton and for supporters worldwide.
An enduring bond
Animal companionship represents one of life’s purest relationships. Roscoe embodied unwavering loyalty and reminded everyone that even a champion needs his best friend by his side through triumphs and trials. Our thoughts remain with Lewis Hamilton. Roscoe’s warmth and gentle presence touched countless hearts. Many will miss him dearly.
Rest in peace, Roscoe.
