There are moments in Formula 1 that transcend the roar of engines, the shimmer of carbon fiber, and the glint of diamond-studded paddock passes. This week, the F1 world paused—not for a record-breaking lap or a scandalous team switch, but for the loss of a soul who, in his own way, was as iconic as any world champion. Lewis Hamilton announced the passing of his beloved bulldog, Roscoe—a companion whose presence on and off the grid became a symbol of warmth, loyalty, and understated star power. This is not just a story about a dog; it’s about love, loss, and the human side of a sport obsessed with speed.
The Bulldog Who Became a Paddock Icon
Roscoe Hamilton was not your average pet. Adopted by Lewis Hamilton in 2013, Roscoe quickly became a fixture in the F1 paddock, strutting alongside his owner in Monaco, Silverstone, and Abu Dhabi with the kind of nonchalance that only true icons possess. For over a decade, Roscoe was more than a mascot—he was a confidant, a social media star, and, as Hamilton himself put it, my best friend.
Roscoe’s appearances were legendary. Who could forget the 2015 British Grand Prix, where he and his late sister Coco joined Lewis on the grid, their presence softening the razor-sharp tension of race day? Or the countless Instagram posts—@roscoelovescoco—where Roscoe lounged in five-star hotels, donned headphones to protect his ears from the cacophony of engines, and even modeled the latest in canine couture? Roscoe’s vegan diet, championed by Hamilton, sparked debates and headlines, further cementing his status as the world’s most famous bulldog.
Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.
Lewis Hamilton ()
A Final Battle: Roscoe’s Last Days
The news broke like a thunderclap across social media and news outlets. On September 26, Hamilton revealed that Roscoe had been hospitalized with pneumonia and was fighting for his life in a coma. The F1 community, from drivers to fans, rallied with messages of support. Hamilton, ever the devoted “dog dad,” withdrew from a Pirelli tire test and skipped the Ferrari Style Show in Milan to remain by Roscoe’s side.
After four days on life support, Hamilton made the agonizing decision to say goodbye. Roscoe passed away in his arms on the evening of September 28, 2025, at 9:20 PM. The heartbreak was palpable—not just for Hamilton, but for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet.
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.
Lewis Hamilton (Formula1.com)
The F1 World Responds: Condolences and Memories
The outpouring of grief and support was immediate and global. Formula 1’s official channels paid tribute, calling Roscoe a star in his own right. Teammates, rivals, and celebrities alike shared memories and condolences. The paddock, often a fortress of bravado and competition, revealed its softer side.
Roscoe’s passing comes five years after the loss of Coco, Hamilton’s other bulldog, who died in 2020. The symmetry is poignant—two beloved companions, now reunited. Hamilton’s vulnerability in sharing his grief resonated deeply, reminding us that even the most decorated champions are, at their core, human.
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.
Lewis Hamilton (Sky Sports)
Roscoe: The Fashionista of the F1 Paddock
Let’s not pretend Roscoe was just a dog. In a world where image is everything, Roscoe was a style icon. From custom vegan leather collars to monogrammed travel carriers, he embodied the intersection of luxury and comfort. At the 2024 British Grand Prix, Roscoe arrived in a bespoke harness, matching Hamilton’s own tailored ensemble—a moment that made the pages of Vogue and set Instagram ablaze.
Roscoe’s presence at events was more than ornamental. He was a conversation starter, a bridge between the high-octane world of F1 and the softer, more relatable side of its stars. In a paddock teeming with WAGs, celebrities, and influencers, Roscoe held his own—often stealing the spotlight from the likes of Gigi Hadid or Zendaya.
The Human Side of Speed: Why Roscoe Mattered
Formula 1 is a sport obsessed with perfection—lap times, telemetry, and the relentless pursuit of victory. But Roscoe reminded us of the importance of presence, of living in the moment. His gentle demeanor, his unwavering loyalty, and his ability to bring a smile to even the most jaded engineer made him a beloved figure.
Hamilton’s relationship with Roscoe was a study in contrasts: the world’s fastest man, grounded by the world’s most mellow bulldog. Their bond was a testament to the healing power of companionship, especially in a sport that demands so much and gives so little in return.
A Legacy Beyond the Track
Roscoe’s legacy is more than a collection of adorable photos or viral videos. He was a symbol of resilience, having survived health scares and adapted to a vegan lifestyle. He was an advocate, in his own way, for animal welfare and the joys of pet adoption. And he was, above all, a reminder that love—pure, unconditional, and unfiltered—is the greatest victory of all.
Hamilton’s tribute to Roscoe was raw and unfiltered, a rare glimpse into the heart of a man more often seen behind mirrored sunglasses and under the glare of the world’s cameras. The F1 community, so often divided by rivalries and controversies, came together to mourn and to celebrate a life well-lived.
