Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton mourning death of beloved dog Roscoe

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has announced the death of his beloved bulldog Roscoe, aged 12.

Roscoe has been a fixture in the F1 paddock and on the wildly popular Netflix series Drive to Survive since he was adopted by the Englishman in 2013.

Hamilton missed a tyre test with Ferrari last Friday after Roscoe caught pneumonia, saying at the time ‘we don’t know whether he will wake from this’.

He took to Instagram on Monday to reveal the news.

“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,” Hamilton wrote in a post which quickly garnered millions of likes.

“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.”

The official F1 account was quick to pay tribute, as were others including fellow driver Esteban Ocon, McLaren — with whom Hamilton won his first drivers championship in 2008 — and former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson.

“Really sorry to hear that,” Clarkson wrote. “It’s hell”.

Hamilton will be back in action at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend. Australia’s Oscar Piastri remains atop the drivers’ leaderboard despite crashing out on the opening lap in Azerbaijan earlier this month.

The Victorian is 25 points or one race win clear of McLaren teammate Lando Norris with seven races to go.