Lewis Hamilton mourns death of bulldog Roscoe after illness

Lewis Hamilton made the 'hardest decision' to put his 12-year-old bulldog Roscoe to sleep. Photo / Instagram, @lewishamilton

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he made the “hardest decision” of his life to put his 12-year-old bulldog Roscoe to sleep.

The British former world champion missed a Formula One tyre test in Italy on Friday to be with his sick pet, who had been hospitalised with pneumonia.

The 40-year-old Ferrari driver said Roscoe had died in his arms on Sunday.

“After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe. He never stopped fighting, right until the very end,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

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“I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend. Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.

“It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet.”

Roscoe has been a regular feature in the F1 paddock and at major events such as awards ceremonies since the seven-time world champion adopted him in 2013.

Hamilton is set to be back in action at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

- Agence France-Presse