Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton has pulled out of Friday’s Pirelli tire test to remain with his 12-year-old bulldog, Roscoe, who is in a coma. The seven-time world champion was set to participate in the testing at Mugello, yet has chosen to prioritize his time with his ailing pet. Hamilton took to Instagram to provide updates on Roscoe’s condition, sharing that the bulldog experienced pneumonia and suffered significant health challenges, leading to his current state in a veterinary clinic.
Roscoe, a beloved presence at many Formula 1 events, has been featured in numerous social media posts by Hamilton, often delighting fans with his appearances. Unfortunately, Roscoe’s health took a turn when he struggled to breathe, leading to hospitalization. During medical checks, his heart momentarily stopped, although veterinarians managed to revive him. Now, Roscoe remains in a coma with uncertainty surrounding his recovery. Hamilton expressed his gratitude on social media for the support and prayers sent by fans worldwide.
In Hamilton’s absence, Ferrari’s reserve driver Zhou Guanyu stepped in to fulfill testing duties alongside Charles Leclerc. This tire test is crucial for Pirelli as it seeks to finalize decisions on its hardest tire compounds for the upcoming season. Although Lewis Hamilton’s presence will be missed on the track, his dedication to his companion highlights a personal side of the champion that resonates deeply with fans.
The Formula 1 community continues to hope for Roscoe’s recovery while appreciating Hamilton’s transparency and connection with his followers during this challenging time.