Lewis Hamilton says farewell to Roscoe: ‘The hardest decision of my life’
In a heartfelt social media post that moved fans around the world, Lewis Hamilton has confirmed the passing of his beloved dog, Roscoe, after a valiant health battle.
Roscoe, aged 12, had been hospitalised due to pneumonia and was placed on life support.
Hamilton revealed that after four days fighting in intensive care, he made the agonising decision to end medical support. In his words, “He never stopped fighting, right until the very end.”
A bond beyond words
Hamilton’s tribute to Roscoe was raw, honest, and deeply emotional.
“Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together,” the Ferrari driver shared on his Instagram.
He also acknowledged the pain of having to make such a decision - a tear many pet owners will know well:
“Although I lost Coco [his other dog], I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before...It is one of the most painful experiences...to love so deeply and to be loved in return.”
On X [formerly Twitter], Hamilton added, “He’s with Coco now.”
Indeed, Roscoe was more than a pet. Over the years, he became a familiar face in F1 paddocks, often travelling with Hamilton, attending races with his own paddock pass, and sharing many of Lewis’s public moments.
Sacrifices made, moments shared
In the final days of Roscoe’s illness, Hamilton withdrew from a scheduled Pirelli tyre test in Mugello, Italy, so he could be by his side.
That decision, in its own way, spoke volumes about the bond they shared - when push came to shove, Hamilton chose presence over performance.
He also thanked fans and supporters who had shown love to Roscoe over the years, acknowledging how special it felt “to witness and feel” that collective support.
Roscoe’s legacy
Roscoe’s passing marks the end of an era in more ways than one.
For Hamilton, losing a loyal companion is a deeply personal moment - one that comes amid a challenging season with Ferrari, where he has yet to reach the podium.
Yet, even as the world of motorsport sees statistics, strategy, and split-second margins, Roscoe’s story is a touching reminder of what transcends performance: love, loyalty, and the bonds that accompany us behind the scenes.
In his closing lines, Hamilton wrote:
“Thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown Roscoe over the years...He died on Sunday evening, 28th September in my arms.”
Rest in peace, Roscoe Hamilton. You may have left the paddock, but your pawprints remain.
READ NEXT: F1 news: Max Verstappen’s Monza and Baku wins send a warning to McLaren
