Lewis Hamilton issues health update after ‘heart-stopping’ Roscoe scare

Lewis Hamilton issues health update after 'heart-stopping' Roscoe scare

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has shared an update on his beloved bulldog, Roscoe, stating that his pet is "doing quite well now" after recently suffering from pneumonia, which caused a significant health scare.

Roscoe, a familiar presence alongside Hamilton in the F1 paddock over the years, contracted pneumonia last month. His caretaker, Kirstin McMillan, posted a worrying update on social media at the time.

Speaking to media ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Hamilton confirmed that 12-year-old Roscoe has now recovered from his illness.

Hamilton also revealed his plans to bring the ageing dog to some F1 races in 2025. These include his home race, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 6, and the Italian Grand Prix in September, which will mark Hamilton's first race at Monza as a Ferrari driver.

When asked about Roscoe, Hamilton said: "He’s doing quite well now.

"He’s 12-and-a-half years old, so he’s an old boy. He had pneumonia, but he’s fine now fortunately.

"But definitely, this is a time where every time I get a text message from the lady that’s looking after him my heart stops for a second because I’m like: ‘What’s next?’

"I really want to try and bring him to Silverstone, and particularly to Monza, this year. Get him a red cape.

"It’s unusual for a bulldog to be as old as he is. I was with him before Miami and he still wants to play. Still got that kind of youthful spirit.

"He does like to sleep a lot."

Regarding other news from Imola, Hamilton was Ferrari’s sole representative during Thursday's media activities as teammate Charles Leclerc missed the day due to illness. Ferrari issued a statement expecting Leclerc to be back in car for Friday's sessions.

Separately, it has been reported that Anthony Hamilton, Lewis's father, is set to take on an official role with the FIA, working on the Young Driver Development Pathway scheme, despite his son's previous criticisms of the current FIA leadership.