Lewis Hamilton took to social media to announce his dog Roscoe had died on Monday | REUTERS

Lewis Hamilton has expressed heartfelt gratitude to a close friend who supported him in caring for Roscoe, his cherished bulldog who died last week.

Roscoe, a 12-year-old rescue dog, was a familiar presence in the Formula One paddock and on Hamilton’s social media, where he became a fan favourite. The seven-time world champion often referred to him as his “best friend.”

Roscoe suffered a second case of pneumonia and later fell into a coma. Despite doctors briefly restarting Roscoe’s heart after it stopped, he did not regain consciousness.

In a heartfelt message posted on Wednesday, Hamilton also took time to thank dog trainer Kristin McMillan, who cared for both Roscoe and his other bulldog Coco, who died in 2020.

“She trained both Roscoe and Coco and treated them like family,” Hamilton wrote.

Lewis Hamilton’s beloved dog Roscoe died on Sunday

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REUTERS

“She helped look after their health and it’s really through her that Roscoe lived so long. While I was travelling, she cared for him every single day, even with a family and other dogs to look after.

“We stood together when letting Roscoe go. I am so grateful to have had her in my life and Roscoe’s life. There is nobody like you Kristin. Thank you.”

Thousands of followers, responded with condolences and well wishes for the seven-time world champion.

Roscoe had long been at Hamilton’s side during his travels across the racing calendar.

His distinctive look and playful personality made him a favourite both online and in the paddock, where he was often photographed walking alongside Hamilton.

His passing has left not just the driver, but many fans of the sport, mourning the loss of a beloved figure who had become part of the Formula One family.

Lewis Hamilton took to social media to thank Kristin McMillan | INSTAGRAM

Tributes also poured in from across the Formula One grid. Former Mercedes teammate George Russell wrote, “Sorry for your loss, mate,” while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc responded with a heart emoji.

Esteban Ocon shared: “We are all thinking of you Lewis. We will miss you Roscoe, RIP.”

Teams including Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren also posted messages of sympathy.

McMillan had earlier asked her own followers to keep Roscoe in their prayers while he was on life support, emphasising his strength and resilience.

She said on Instagram: “I know many of you are praying for Roscoe. I’m praying for Roscoe too. My uncle taught me something really beautiful about prayer a long time ago.

“He told me when I pray, don’t pray like a beggar—all desperate & pleading. He said: when we pray, we pray from victory. This one thing changed how I pray more than anything else.

“I have no control over outcome, but have fervently done my part so that this dog’s body has been kept strong & resilient. In crisis, he is prepared.

“That’s bc as you guys know Lewis has always made his health priority. Pray that the hands & hearts of the doctors are guided, resourced & pure.

“This dog has a consistent history of resilience. Strong bodies know how to heal once obstacles are removed.”

Lewis Hamilton and Roscoe were a duo all over the F1 paddock

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REUTERS

When Hamilton announced the death he said: “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. 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.”

Hamilton, who like Roscoe followed a vegan lifestyle, will now return to the track at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.