Meet Roscoe: Lewis Hamilton's Famous Dog

Adopted in 2013, the beloved pet became a global social media icon and paddock fixture before passing away in September 2025.

Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton is globally recognized for his historic achievements on the racetrack, but for over a decade, his constant companion Roscoe was a superstar in his own right. The famous British Bulldog was adopted by the British racing driver in 2013, a milestone year that marked Hamilton's first season driving for the Mercedes AMG F1 team. Throughout his life, Roscoe was treated as a core member of Hamilton's family, frequently traveling alongside the driver to various international events. Before his passing, Roscoe shared his home and adventures with another bulldog named Coco, who was also a beloved part of Hamilton's household until she passed away in 2020.

Roscoe's presence at Grand Prix weekends quickly turned him into an official Formula One paddock mascot. To facilitate this jet-setting lifestyle, Hamilton secured a special paddock pass from Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of Formula One. This exclusive credential permitted Roscoe and his female companion Coco to accompany Hamilton to race weekends across the globe. The sight of the bulldogs roaming the paddock became a familiar and comforting routine for team members, media, and fans alike. This unique access allowed Roscoe to build a global fanbase, cementing his status as the motorsport world's most famous canine companion.

Beyond his paddock appearances, Roscoe established a highly successful career as a professional dog model. After being signed to a professional modeling agency, the bulldog earned approximately $700 per day. He regularly competed against other bulldogs to secure commercial modeling assignments, proving to be as competitive in the modeling industry as his owner was on the track. This professional success was mirrored by a massive digital footprint. Roscoe accumulated over 1 million followers—eventually reaching 1.4 million—on his official Instagram account, @roscoelovescoco. The account was originally shared with Coco, and it remained a primary hub for fans to follow his daily updates, modeling gigs, and travels.

In 2020, Roscoe underwent a major lifestyle change when he transitioned to a 100% plant-based (vegan) diet. This dietary shift was implemented to help alleviate common bulldog health struggles, including joint pain, skin allergies, and respiratory issues. Hamilton, who had switched to a vegan diet himself in 2017, observed significant improvements in his dog's health after the change. This positive experience later inspired the racing driver to invest in Bramble Pets, a plant-based pet food brand. While Roscoe thrived on this diet, Hamilton has publicly noted the importance of consulting with veterinarians to ensure tailored nutrition for individual pets before making such dietary changes.

Roscoe's long and active life came to an end in September 2025. Having celebrated his 12th birthday in October 2024, the beloved bulldog passed away at the age of 12 after battling health complications, including pneumonia. His passing marked the end of an era for Hamilton, who is 41 years old as of 2026, and the broader Formula One community. For twelve years, Roscoe had been a constant source of support for the seven-time World Champion, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most famous and beloved pets in sports history.