Hamilton ‘overwhelmed’ by outpour of support after Roscoe’s passing

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Lewis Hamilton has expressed his deep gratitude for the “overwhelming” support he has received from fans, fellow drivers, and the wider Formula 1 paddock following the loss of his beloved bulldog, Roscoe.

The seven-time world champion confirmed on Monday that Roscoe – a familiar and much-loved presence in the paddock for over a decade – had passed away on Sunday evening after being hospitalised for several days.

Formula 1 is a whirlwind of fierce and intense competition, but the tight-knit community rallied around one of its own this week as a heartbroken Hamilton shared his grief.

“Heartwarming to receive”

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed that he was touched by how widely Roscoe’s passing resonated, both inside and outside the sport.

“Yeah, lots of messages. Quite overwhelming, to be honest, to see just how many people Roscoe touched around the world, and really heartwarming to receive,” the Ferrari driver explained.

“I've not been able to reply to everybody, but he was the most important thing in my life, so it was a very difficult experience.

“And I know so many people in the world have gone through it and know what it's like to have a pet that gives you such amazing love, and it's an amazing experience. But I'm really just looking forward to now just getting back in the car and doing what I love doing here.”

Racing for More Than Himself

Asked if he would be dedicating this weekend’s performance in Singapore to Roscoe, Hamilton broadened his answer to include the many people who have supported him through this difficult period.

“I think there's a lot of people that deserve a good result from my side and this team, the tifosi and the people that have been following me and all the people, as I said, that have been checking in and been so supportive over this past whole year, but also particularly this past week.

“I think it's in moments like that where you really see people show up for you. And that's been, as I said, really overwhelming to see and really well welcomed.”

Roscoe was not just Hamilton’s constant companion but also a cherished figure within Formula 1, his presence softening the edges of an often brutally competitive paddock.

As he returns to the cockpit in Singapore, Hamilton does so with the memory of Roscoe close to his heart – and with the support of a sport that has embraced him at one of his most difficult times.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.