Lewis Hamilton has shared a devastating personal update with fans, revealing that his beloved English bulldog, Roscoe, is in a coma after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion, who was scheduled to partake in a Pirelli tyre test with Ferrari on Friday, pulled out of the event to be by his dog's side.
The news has sent a wave of concern through the Formula 1 community for one of the paddock's most famous four-legged residents.
Hamilton's statement on social media provided a candid look into the fear and anguish he is currently experiencing.
The 12-year-old Roscoe has become a fixture in the F1 world, and his health scare has deeply affected the British driver.
Roscoe’s terrifying health scare
Hamilton revealed that his bulldog caught pneumonia again and was struggling to breathe.
He was admitted to hospital and sedated to keep him calm while veterinary checks were performed.
It was during this process that the dog’s heart stopped.
Hamilton confirmed, "They managed to get a heartbeat back and now he's in a coma.
"We don't know whether he will wake from this. Tomorrow we'll try to wake him up. I'm by his side and want to thank you all for your prayers and support.”
Hamilton's social media plea highlighted the gravity of the situation for the dog, who is a beloved companion and a major celebrity in his own right, with over a million followers on Instagram.
The impact of Roscoe’s health on Hamilton’s schedule
The health scare has immediately impacted Lewis Hamilton’s professional schedule.
The 40-year-old F1 star was due to represent Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc in a scheduled tyre test at Italy's Mugello Circuit on Friday.
The team confirmed his absence, with reserve driver Zhou Guanyu taking his place.
Hamilton's decision to pull out of the test is a clear sign of the immense emotional bond he shares with his dog.
Roscoe, who is a vegan like his owner, has battled health issues over the years and has defied the typical lifespan for an English bulldog.
His presence in the paddock has always been a symbol of Hamilton's grounded personality, and the driver's focus is now entirely on his pet's recovery.