Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 career is rich with victories and accolades, but one of his most cherished possessions is his furry companion.
Hamilton’s 12-year-old bulldog, named Roscoe, has developed quite the social media following since his arrival in the Hamilton camp.
Hamilton has been accompanied by Roscoe at numerous racesCredit: Getty
From quad biking adventures to embracing a vegan lifestyle, Roscoe is truly living his best life, even racking up more Instagram followers than some F1 stars.
So where did their journey together begin?
Adopting Roscoe
Hamilton’s great love is F1, but it’s very clear Roscoe holds a special place in his heart.
In a heartfelt Q&A session on the Mercedes F1 Team’s official YouTube channel, the iconic British driver shared the touching story of finding Roscoe.
“I remember being online, looking for rescues. There’s some page I found that had like 1,000 bulldogs, and I just went through all of them, and then I came across this one picture, and I was like – ‘That’s him!’
“And that was like one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.”
Hamilton also revealed the inspiration behind Roscoe’s name: “I just thought it sounded really cool.”
Roscoe’s love for four wheels
Hamilton’s passion for speed has clearly influenced his four-legged friend.
The 40-year-old has shared that Roscoe has developed a surprising affection for quad biking.
“In the summer, I love to go on motorbike tours through the mountains with my friends, and we usually stop and we’ll paintball halfway through.
“Roscoe likes going on the quad bike. I remember putting him on at one time, and then I put him down, and he kept on trying to get back on.
“So I just take him; he just likes being lazy and being taken around,” Hamilton said.
Roscoe has also been seen skateboarding, embracing a quieter yet equally enjoyable mode of transportation.
Hamilton delighted fans by sharing a video of his pooch balancing on the board, being gently pushed along. In the caption, he even included a nod to the legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk.
As Roscoe cruised on the board, Hamilton could be heard encouraging him saying: “Good boy Roscoe, good boy buddy. Let’s go!”
It’s not quite up there with David Croft’s catchphrase ‘It’s Lights Out and Away We Go,’ but it’s something.
Hamilton has moved Roscoe onto a plant-based dietCredit: @lewishamilton – InstagramVeganism
In a revealing 2017 interview with the BBC, Hamilton explained his transition to veganism, driven by a deep concern for the planet: “As the human race, what we are doing to the world … the pollution coming from the number of cows that are being produced is incredible.
“The cruelty is horrible, and I don’t necessarily want to support that, and I want to live a healthier life.”
He proudly noted that Roscoe has truly transformed since adopting a plant-based diet.
Speaking to People, Hamilton added: “I’m always looking for ways to look after his health and really just improve his quality of life, and his diet is just one part of that.
“He has so much more energy and doesn’t struggle as much with the health issues he had before.”
According to Hamilton, Roscoe has flourished with his new diet, enjoying softer fur and improved skin, along with a notable reduction in health concerns.
Instagram account
Roscoe’s rise to fame is largely attributed to his delightful presence on Instagram, where Hamilton shares moments of him relishing everyday dog adventures and exploring the paddock during race weekends.
With an impressive 1.1 million followers, Roscoe has overtaken Logan Sargeant and comes close to Lance Stroll’s 1.4 million.
Following Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes at the end of last season, a heartfelt tribute to the team was beautifully shared on Roscoe’s Instagram, garnering an impressive 264,833 likes.
Fans also showed they have truly fallen for Roscoe during last season’s Brazilian Grand Prix with many banners and flags donning the pooches fan being displayed.
In February 2024, Hamilton signed with Ferrari but first wrapped up a season with Mercedes, solidifying the remarkable partnership between the sport’s most successful driver and team in Italy.
His legacy on the F1 circuit is unparalleled, debuting in 2007 and becoming the youngest champion in 2008.
Roscoe fever has truly taken over some F1 fansCredit: @roscoelovescoco – Instagram
After moving to Mercedes in 2013, he ignited a remarkable era of dominance, claiming six titles between 2014 and 2020.
The contentious 2021 season against Max Verstappen, though ending in defeat, was still a strong showcase from Hamilton.
His record-breaking achievements include seven World Championships, most wins (105), poles (104), and podiums (202).
The 2025 F1 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14-16, 2025.
Australia is where Hamilton made his debut on the grid in 2007 and earned a third-place finish with McLaren.
The 40-year-old won his first world title the following year, so his first race for Ferrari being in Melbourne could be a good omen.