Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is renowned for his steely composure under pressure, whether navigating high-speed corners or facing the scrutiny of a global spotlight. Yet, on a tense Wednesday in 2025, that unshakable demeanor cracked, revealing a deeply vulnerable side to the Ferrari driver. When his beloved English Bulldog, Roscoe, took a turn for the worse, Hamilton frantically called his longtime friend and former physiotherapist, Angela Cullen, for support. Cullen rushed to his home, accompanying him to a veterinary hospital in a race against time. What alarmed fans most was Cullen’s revelation: it was the first time she had ever seen Hamilton lose his composure, a stark departure from his usual poise that sparked widespread concern about his emotional state and Roscoe’s “scary” pneumonia diagnosis.
Roscoe, a constant companion at Hamilton’s side, has become an F1 icon in his own right, amassing over a million Instagram followers with his charming presence in paddocks worldwide. The English Bulldog’s battle with pneumonia, first disclosed in April 2025, has been a heartbreaking saga for Hamilton and his fans. Despite intensive treatments, including high-dose Vitamin C IV drips and antibiotics, Roscoe’s condition has not fully stabilized. Hamilton’s latest update, shared via Instagram, showed Roscoe wrapped in a blanket at a veterinary clinic, with the driver pleading for fans to keep his pet in their thoughts. The gravity of the situation hinted at a potentially graver prognosis, amplifying worries among supporters.
Cullen’s swift response to Hamilton’s call underscored their deep bond, forged during her years as his physiotherapist from 2016 to 2023. Her presence provided a rare glimpse into Hamilton’s private world, where Roscoe is more than a pet—he’s family. Witnesses described Hamilton as visibly shaken, a stark contrast to the cool-headed champion who has faced countless high-stakes moments. Cullen later shared that seeing Hamilton so distraught was unprecedented, raising questions about the toll of Roscoe’s illness on his mental well-being. For a driver who channels emotions into performance, this crisis could not have come at a more challenging time.
Hamilton’s 2025 season with Ferrari has been a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistent results and frustration. Sitting sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, he has yet to secure a win for the Prancing Horse, with an eighth-place finish in Azerbaijan and a retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix. The pressures of adapting to a new team, coupled with Roscoe’s health struggles, have visibly weighed on him. His candid disappointment after Baku’s practice sessions—lamenting a strategic misstep with tire choices—reflected a driver grappling with both professional and personal challenges. Roscoe’s illness, however, seems to have struck a deeper chord, exposing a vulnerability rarely seen in Hamilton’s public persona.
The outpouring of support from fans has been overwhelming, with social media flooded with messages of hope for Roscoe’s recovery. The dog’s endearing presence, from paddock strolls to quirky Instagram posts, has made him a beloved figure in the F1 community. Hamilton’s plea for prayers resonated deeply, uniting fans in a shared hope for Roscoe’s health. For Hamilton, this crisis is a reminder of the human side of a global superstar, whose heart lies with a loyal companion. As he navigates this emotional storm, the F1 world watches not just for his next race but for news of Roscoe’s recovery, hoping the bulldog’s fighting spirit matches that of his champion owner.
