Danica Patrick, the former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, expressed deep sympathy to Lewis Hamilton following the loss of his cherished French bulldog, Roscoe. The death of Roscoe, who was well known throughout the Formula 1 paddock, prompted Danica Patrick condolences Lewis Hamilton and sparked an outpouring of support from across the motorsport community.
Lewis Hamilton Faces Heartbreaking Farewell to Roscoe
Roscoe, a 12-year-old bulldog and a familiar companion at Formula 1 events, passed away on Sunday, September 28, surrounded by Lewis Hamilton. Earlier in the week, Roscoe’s health had deteriorated as he battled pneumonia for the second time that year. He was brought to the hospital struggling to breathe, and despite doctors managing to revive him after his heart stopped during treatment under sedation, Roscoe later fell into a coma.
The following day, Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, revealed in an emotional public announcement that he faced the agonizing decision to euthanize his beloved pet. Hamilton described this choice as the hardest he had ever made, sharing a heartfelt tribute to Roscoe on his social media channels.
Danica Patrick’s Personal Connection and Public Message
Tributes arrived from all corners of motorsport, including a poignant message from Danica Patrick, now a Sky Sports analyst in Formula 1. In a meaningful coincidence, Patrick noted that Roscoe shares its name with her hometown in Illinois. Patrick’s empathy as a devoted pet owner is well known—she has two dogs of her own: Dallas, an 11-year-old Siberian husky she acquired in 2014 on Mother’s Day, and Ella, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois currently receiving stem cell and PRP treatments for arthritis. Patrick often shares stories of her dogs online, revealing her deep affection and commitment to their wellbeing.
“I’m so sorry. 💔 Dogs have such a special place in our lives. Losing one is one of the hardest experiences. Praying for your heart and Roscoes peace in heaven over the rainbow bridge,”
Patrick wrote.
— Danica Patrick, Analyst
Reaction from Formula 1 Community and Governing Bodies
Within Formula 1, Roscoe was more than just a pet—he became a fixture, traveling internationally with Hamilton as the season unfolded from one country to another. The dog’s charisma led to memorable moments, including a cameo appearance in “F1: The Movie,” which Lewis Hamilton helped produce as executive producer.
As news of Roscoe’s death spread, the FIA, the sport’s governing body, joined teams and drivers in publicly mourning the bulldog’s passing. McLaren, Hamilton’s previous team, offered their thoughts in response to his social media post, recognizing Roscoe’s unique place in the paddock.
“Our thoughts are with you, Lewis. Roscoe was a star of the paddock and will be missed.”
— McLaren Team
“Sorry for your loss, Lewis,”
— Red Bull Racing
“The FIA family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Roscoe. Our thoughts are with you Lewis.”
— FIA
In addition to official statements, drivers such as Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc—Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate—and George Russell, his former Mercedes co-driver, extended their condolences to Hamilton, demonstrating the depth of support throughout the sport.
The Significance of Roscoe’s Legacy
Roscoe’s presence resonated widely beyond motorsport, as fans and insiders alike mourned alongside Lewis Hamilton. The canine’s worldwide travels, friendly demeanor, and unique role alongside the seven-time champion made him a symbol of companionship in high-performance environments often dominated by competition. Danica Patrick’s message and the collective mourning of the F1 world highlight the profound bond between pets and their human counterparts, showing that this loss touched hearts far beyond the paddock.
As the motorsports community pays tribute, the story of Roscoe’s loyalty and the heartfelt condolences from Danica Patrick and others remind all how deeply animals can influence even the world’s most competitive arenas. Lewis Hamilton, in handling the situation with openness and emotion, has poignantly shown the enduring value of compassion amid the intensity of international racing.
