Lewis Hamilton was due to take part in a Pirelli tyre test with Ferrari last Friday, but instead he stayed home to care for his bulldog Roscoe, who had become seriously ill.

Roscoe had been suffering from pneumonia and was struggling to breathe. While under treatment at a veterinary clinic, his heart stopped. Vets managed to revive him, but he slipped into a coma and was placed on life support.

On Monday, Hamilton shared the devastating news that Roscoe had passed away. “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 wrote on social media.

“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 [his other dog, in 2020], 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.”

Roscoe was a well-known figure in the Formula 1 paddock and had followed Hamilton around the world for years. He even had his own Instagram account with hundreds of thousands of followers, where fans enjoyed seeing his adventures on and off the track.

Hamilton often spoke about how Roscoe was fed a fully plant-based diet, just like him, and would proudly say how much healthier and happier his dog had become since the switch. The pair were inseparable and  Roscoe even joined Hamilton on the red carpet at fashion events, becoming a star in his own right.