Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, which marks his first race after the passing of his bulldog, Roscoe.
Hamilton announced Roscoe’s passing earlier this week in an emotional post on social media, revealing the health battle the 12-year-old bulldog fought. Roscoe was adopted by the seven-time world champion in 2013, the year he joined Mercedes.
Roscoe accompanied him to several Grand Prix venues in all these years, drawing large crowds as he was no less than a celebrity. Now though, Hamilton will feel his absence in the Ferrari garage. Speaking to the media in Singapore, the Briton addressed the immense support he received from fans and colleagues after he announced Roscoe’s passing. He said:
“Yeah, lots of messages. Quite overwhelming to be honest to see just how many people Roscoe touched around the world and really heartwarming to receive.
“I’ve not been able to reply to everybody but it was the most important thing in my life so it was a very difficult experience. I know so many people in the world have gone through it and know what it’s like to have a pet that gives you such amazing love and it’s an amazing experience.
“But I’m really just looking forward to now just getting back in the car and doing what I love doing here.”
Asked if he was driving this weekend for a race result with Roscoe on his mind, Hamilton said:
“I think there’s a lot of people that deserve a good result from my side and this team. The tifosi and the people that have been following me and all the people that have been checking in and been so supportive over this past whole year but also this past week.
“I think it’s in moments like that where you really see people show up for you and that’s been, as I said, really overwhelming to see and really well welcomed.”
Considering he recovered four places from P12 to P8 in the previous race at Baku, the 40-year-old driver was asked about his chances of securing a better finish this weekend. He said:
“It’s difficult to say because this will be the first time driving a Ferrari around Singapore.
“But the car felt really great starting the last grand prix and we just didn’t carry that through the weekend. But as I said there’s been learnings as to why that was and so I think we’ll have a better approach this weekend. And obviously the last week I’ve not had as much time as I’d like with the team but I know they’ve been working very hard back at the factory.
“And we’ve caught up over the last couple of days so I’m feeling optimistic of getting in. I have no clue how quick the others are going to be. They’re obviously going to be fast, the Red Bulls very quick and as is the McLarens and Mercedes also.
“So we’ve got a lot of work to do.”