Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton dog is facing one of his toughest personal moments as his beloved dog Roscoe fights for life in a hospital coma. The 12-year-old bulldog suffered a second bout of pneumonia and then went into cardiac arrest during treatment, leaving veterinarians unsure about his chances.
Roscoe’s heart stopped during the medical procedures, but doctors managed to bring him back before placing him in an induced coma. Hamilton broke the heartbreaking news on social media, explaining that the veterinary team will try to wake Roscoe soon, but the outcome is still up in the air.
The Ferrari driver has barely left his pet’s side since this all began. This crisis has forced Hamilton to withdraw from a Pirelli tire test at Mugello so he could stay close to Roscoe.
The bulldog has been Hamilton’s sidekick since 2013, becoming a favorite in the F1 paddock and amassing more than 1.3 million Instagram followers.
Key Takeaways – Lewis Hamilton Dog Fighting for Life in Hospital
- Roscoe suffered cardiac arrest during pneumonia treatment and is now in a medically induced coma with an uncertain prognosis
- Hamilton canceled Ferrari test duties to remain at the hospital with his 12-year-old bulldog
- The dog has been with Hamilton for over a decade and is a social media star in the F1 world
Roscoe’s Sudden Hospitalization and Critical Condition
Lewis Hamilton’s English bulldog Roscoe took a sudden turn for the worse, ending up in the hospital. Pneumonia caused severe breathing trouble and heart complications, making things life-threatening in a matter of hours.
How Roscoe’s Health Deteriorated
Roscoe’s health started slipping when he developed pneumonia again this year. He’d already fought off the same illness back in May 2025.
At 12, Roscoe is considered old for a bulldog. Hamilton has even mentioned that’s unusually long-lived for the breed.
Pneumonia made it hard for Roscoe to breathe. He struggled just to get air into his lungs.
Things got worse fast. The breathing issues escalated so quickly that he needed emergency help.
Hamilton got constant updates about Roscoe’s status. Each message from his dog’s caretaker made his heart race—probably more than any qualifying lap ever could.
The Emergency Hospital Admission
Roscoe was rushed to the hospital once his breathing became critical. Medical staff sedated him right away to help with the emergency procedures.
They needed the sedation to run vital checks. Without it, Roscoe’s distress from lack of oxygen made things nearly impossible.
During all this, Roscoe’s heart stopped. The situation turned dire in seconds.
The medical team jumped into action and restarted his heart. They managed to bring him back with emergency resuscitation.
But the ordeal left Roscoe in a coma. Doctors weren’t sure if he’d ever wake up.
Pneumonia Diagnosis and Complications
The diagnosis confirmed that Roscoe caught pneumonia again and was struggling to breathe. This was his second round with the infection in 2025.
Key complications from the pneumonia:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Cardiac arrest during treatment
- Induced coma after heart stoppage
- Uncertain prognosis for recovery
Pneumonia hit Roscoe’s lungs hard. He could barely breathe, so hospitalization became the only option.
Bulldogs are especially at risk for breathing problems because of their flat faces. That made Roscoe’s pneumonia even more dangerous.
The cardiac arrest happened while doctors were treating his breathing issues. The stress from pneumonia pushed his heart past its breaking point.
The medical team revived him, but his condition stayed critical. The coma was his body’s way of coping with the trauma from both the pneumonia and heart episode.
Life-Saving Efforts and Lewis Hamilton’s Support
Roscoe received intensive care using both traditional and holistic treatments, with Hamilton staying deeply involved every step of the way. The F1 community and fans worldwide have rallied behind the bulldog during his fight.
Reviving Roscoe: The Crisis in the Hospital
Roscoe’s pneumonia needed immediate and thorough intervention. The 12-and-a-half-year-old was put under the care of a vet who blends integrative medicine with standard practice.
The treatment included strong antibiotics to fight off the infection. High-dose Vitamin C IV drops were also given as part of his supportive care.
Treatment Methods Used:
- Traditional antibiotics for pneumonia
- High-dose Vitamin C IV therapy
- Acupuncture sessions
- Mix of Eastern and Western medicine
The vet had extra training in holistic approaches and Chinese medicine. This approach aimed to boost Roscoe’s immune system while tackling the infection head-on.
Hamilton’s Emotional Vigil by Roscoe’s Side
Hamilton’s trainer and Roscoe’s main caregiver, Kirstin McMillan, kept up a steady stream of updates during treatment. She coordinated everything and made sure Hamilton knew what was happening at all times.
Hamilton opened up about the emotional toll before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He even admitted that every message from Roscoe’s caregiver made his “heart stop for a second.”
The seven-time world champ didn’t hide his worries about Roscoe’s age. At 12-and-a-half, the bulldog faced a really tough battle against pneumonia.
Hamilton tried to keep up with his racing obligations, but his mind stayed on Roscoe’s progress. All this happened during his final season at Mercedes before heading to Ferrari in 2025.
Public Reaction and Messages of Support
Roscoe’s popularity among F1 fans sparked an outpouring of concern online. The dog has over a million followers on Instagram—yes, really.
People from all over sent messages and well wishes. The motorsport community genuinely cares for this dog who’s become a fixture at Grand Prix weekends.
Support came from all over:
- F1 fans worldwide
- Racing community members
- Social media followers
- Animal welfare advocates
The wave of support shows just how unique Roscoe’s place is in Formula One culture. He’s become more than just Hamilton’s pet—he’s a symbol of the driver’s bond with fans and his love for animals.
Impact on Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Commitments
Hamilton’s choice to put Roscoe’s emergency first has thrown his Ferrari testing schedule into chaos and highlighted how deep the bonds run between drivers and their pets in F1. The timing couldn’t be worse, landing right in the middle of crucial pre-season prep for the 2026 season.
Withdrawal from Pirelli Tyre Test at Mugello
Hamilton pulled out of Ferrari track testing on September 26, 2025, at Mugello so he could be with Roscoe during the crisis. He made the call after his bulldog developed pneumonia and suffered cardiac arrest.
Testing Schedule Impact:
- Original plan: Hamilton to run Pirelli tyre testing
- Current status: Out of all scheduled sessions
- Duration: Unknown—depends on Roscoe’s recovery
The Pirelli tyre test is key for choosing compounds for the 2026 F1 season. Teams rely on this feedback to see how tyres behave on track.
With Hamilton out, Ferrari loses valuable feedback from their new star. That could affect how well they tailor the car to his driving style.
Replacement by Zhou Guanyu at Ferrari
Zhou Guanyu stepped up to fill Hamilton’s spot at Mugello. The Ferrari reserve driver now works with Charles Leclerc to finish the testing program.
Driver Assignments:
| Original Role | Driver | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tester | Lewis Hamilton | Withdrew for personal reasons |
| Reserve Driver | Zhou Guanyu | Promoted to active testing |
| Regular Tester | Charles Leclerc | Continues as planned |
Zhou’s involvement keeps Ferrari’s testing on track, at least on paper. Still, his feedback can’t really substitute for Hamilton’s unique insights and preferences.
The Chinese driver gets a shot at valuable experience with Ferrari’s 2026 car. It’s an unexpected break, and he can help the team learn more about the new setup.
Ferrari officials say the testing continues with a few tweaks. The focus now is on data for the hardest tyre compounds.
Roscoe’s Role in the F1 Paddock
Roscoe has become a familiar face in the F1 paddock during Hamilton’s career. The bulldog regularly pops up at races and has built his own following online.
Paddock Appearances:
- British Grand Prix at Silverstone (he’s a regular)
- Social media posts from all over the world
- Interactions with other drivers and team staff
The bond between Hamilton and Roscoe really shows the emotional support pets give to athletes under huge pressure. Lots of F1 drivers share glimpses of their animals on social media too.
Roscoe’s hospitalization has touched the entire F1 community. Drivers and fans alike have reached out to support Hamilton.
This whole situation is a reminder that relationships in F1 aren’t just about people. Hamilton’s decision to put Roscoe first says everything about their 12-year connection.
Roscoe: Life, Personality, and Social Media Presence
Roscoe has been Hamilton’s loyal companion for over a decade, even building a bit of celebrity status with millions following his Instagram. The bulldog’s traveled to races all over the world and faced his share of health scares during his 12 years.
Roscoe’s Journey with Hamilton Since 2013
Roscoe was adopted by Hamilton in 2013. That was also Hamilton’s debut season with the Mercedes AMG F1 team, so the timing made their bond even more meaningful.
The English bulldog quickly became a regular travel buddy at F1 race weekends. Roscoe has been by the seven-time world champion’s side at several races over the past 12 years.
Hamilton often talks about how much he wants Roscoe at specific races. He’s joked about bringing Roscoe to Silverstone and Monza and even mentioned getting him a red cape for Ferrari-themed events.
At 12 years old, Roscoe has outlived the typical English bulldog lifespan. Hamilton pointed out it’s pretty rare for a bulldog to reach this age and still act so playful.
Roscoe’s Instagram and Celebrity Status
Roscoe’s Instagram has blown up, amassing 1.3 million followers. Honestly, his social media presence could give some F1 drivers a run for their money.
The bulldog has become one of F1’s most beloved mascots. His posts show off racing adventures, lazy days, and sweet moments with Hamilton.
Fans interact with Roscoe’s content constantly and keep up with his health updates. Whenever Hamilton shares news about Roscoe, the F1 community rallies with support and concern.
Wellness, Previous Health Battles, and Care Routine
Roscoe’s had a rough go with recurring pneumonia in 2025. Earlier in May, just before the Imola race, Roscoe battled pneumonia.
Hamilton doesn’t hide how anxious he gets about Roscoe’s health. He admits every text from Roscoe’s caretaker makes his heart skip a beat, never quite sure what news is coming.
Despite all this, Roscoe still acts like a pup at heart. He’s slower now and naps more, but Hamilton says the playful spark hasn’t faded.
Hamilton relies on a dedicated caretaker to look after Roscoe when he’s away. That peace of mind is crucial with Roscoe’s age and condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe has faced some tough health scares, including pneumonia and a hospital stay. The 12-and-a-half-year-old French bulldog now requires pretty close medical care and regular check-ins.
What is the current health status of Lewis Hamilton’s dog?
Roscoe bounced back from pneumonia after getting sick last month. He’s stable for now, but Hamilton admits he’s still worried.
At 12-and-a-half, Roscoe’s already beaten the odds for his breed. Hamilton’s nerves about Roscoe’s health haven’t really eased up, even after the recovery.
Which hospital is providing treatment for Lewis Hamilton’s dog?
Hamilton hasn’t revealed the name of the veterinary hospital treating Roscoe. He’s only shared that Roscoe got professional care during the recent scare.
The treatment center provided intensive care when Roscoe was put in a coma to help him fight through the illness.
What were the circumstances leading to the hospitalization of Lewis Hamilton’s pet?
Roscoe developed pneumonia, which landed him in the hospital. Things got so serious, doctors put him in a medically induced coma.
His age probably made everything more complicated. French bulldogs already struggle with breathing, and that doesn’t help during respiratory infections.
Has Lewis Hamilton released a statement about his dog’s condition?
Hamilton’s been open about his fears for Roscoe. He’s said his heart drops every time he gets a message about his dog.
The seven-time champ has asked fans to send good vibes for Roscoe. He’s also kept the media in the loop with updates.
What type of medical intervention is being administered to Lewis Hamilton’s dog?
Roscoe’s pneumonia treatment included a medically induced coma. Hamilton hasn’t shared all the details about meds or procedures, and honestly, who could blame him?
The veterinary team watched Roscoe around the clock during the worst of it. Bulldogs with pneumonia usually need respiratory support, and Roscoe probably did too.
Are there any updates on the prognosis for Lewis Hamilton’s dog’s recovery?
Hamilton has shared some positive news about Roscoe’s recovery before the last few races. Roscoe seems to have pulled through the worst of his pneumonia scare.
Hamilton wants to bring Roscoe along to Silverstone and Monza later this season. Still, he admits he’s a bit nervous about his old friend’s health and knows they have to take things one step at a time.
