In a heartwarming twist amid the high-octane world of motorsport, Formula 1 rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have shared an emotional exchange that transcends their on-track battles. Fresh off his triumphant GT3 debut victory at the Nürburgring Nordschleife on September 27, 2025, the four-time F1 world champion Verstappen sent a touching tribute to Hamilton’s beloved dog Roscoe—affectionately known in the paddock as “Paddock” for his ubiquitous presence at races. The gesture, a custom-engraved collar bearing the inscription “Paddock: Guardian of the Grid,” arrived just days after Hamilton announced Roscoe’s peaceful passing on September 29, leaving the seven-time champion in tears and sparking a profound conversation between the two drivers.
Verstappen’s win at the infamous 20.8-kilometer Green Hell circuit was nothing short of spectacular. Piloting a Red Bull-liveried Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing alongside teammate Chris Lulham, the Dutch ace started third on the grid but seized the lead in a chaotic opening lap. Over his two-hour stint, he built a commanding one-minute advantage, navigating the treacherous Eifel mountains with metronomic precision. Handing over to Lulham, the duo crossed the finish line 24.5 seconds ahead of the pursuing Ford Mustang GT3 of Dennis Fetzer, Jann Mardenborough, and Fabio Scherer. “The car was amazing in the dry,” Verstappen reflected post-race, his voice laced with exhilaration. “To win on my first GT3 attempt here—it’s just fantastic. I didn’t make any major mistakes, and everything with traffic worked out perfectly.”
But beyond the glory laps and podium spray—where Verstappen hilariously fumbled his champagne cork, much to the amusement of fans online—the victory carried a deeper resonance. Verstappen, a self-professed animal lover who often shares glimpses of his own pets on social media, has long admired Roscoe’s role as Hamilton’s steadfast companion. The English bulldog, who turned 12 in February 2025, became a paddock icon over the years, waddling through garages, photobombing interviews, and even earning his own Instagram following with over 500,000 devotees. Roscoe’s antics— from stealing the show at the 2021 British Grand Prix to donning tiny Mercedes overalls—endeared him to fans and drivers alike, symbolizing Hamilton’s softer side amid his relentless pursuit of an eighth title.
Hamilton’s announcement of Roscoe’s death hit the F1 community hard. In an Instagram post that garnered millions of views, the Mercedes-turned-Ferrari star shared a montage of memories: Roscoe curled up in the cockpit simulator, trotting alongside Hamilton at Silverstone, and gazing loyally during press conferences. “My heart is broken,” Hamilton wrote. “Roscoe, you were more than a dog—you were my family, my therapist, my reason to smile on the toughest days. Twelve years of unconditional love, and I’ll carry you with me forever. Rest easy, my boy.” The post detailed Roscoe’s final days battling pneumonia, a condition that prompted Hamilton to skip Ferrari’s Pirelli tire test at Mugello and a fashion event in Milan to stay by his side. Tributes poured in from rivals like Lando Norris and George Russell, but it was Verstappen’s private gesture that cut deepest.
The gift arrived at Hamilton’s Monaco home via discreet courier on September 30, accompanied by a handwritten note from Verstappen: “To Lewis and the memory of Paddock—your courage on and off the track inspires us all. He was the real champ of the paddock. With respect, Max.” The collar, crafted from supple leather with a silver plate etched in elegant script, included a tiny replica of the Nürburgring trophy charm. Hamilton, unpacking it alone, broke down in sobs, later confiding to close friends that it was the first time in years he’d wept so openly over a loss. “It wasn’t just the collar,” Hamilton said in a tearful video call with Verstappen that evening. “It was knowing someone who fights me so hard on the circuit sees the heart behind it all.”
What followed was a candid 45-minute conversation that bridged their storied rivalry, forged in collisions at Silverstone and Monza but tempered by mutual respect. In gratitude, Hamilton opened up with three raw admissions that left the usually stoic Verstappen visibly moved, his eyes welling up as he listened from his sim-rig setup in the Netherlands. First, Hamilton confessed the isolation of greatness: “Winning seven titles sounds like a dream, but it comes at a cost—nights alone wondering if anyone’s truly there for you, not the trophies. Roscoe was my anchor, reminding me it’s okay to be vulnerable.” Verstappen, who has spoken openly about the pressures of his own dominance, nodded silently, later admitting it echoed his fears of burnout.
Second, Hamilton reflected on their shared battles: “Those wheel-to-wheel moments with you, Max—they weren’t just fights; they were lessons in resilience. You’ve pushed me to evolve, even now as I chase one more. Roscoe taught me grace under pressure, just like you do on track.” This acknowledgment of Verstappen’s role in Hamilton’s Ferrari transition and renewed fire stunned the Red Bull driver. “I never thought I’d hear that from you,” Verstappen replied, his voice cracking. “We’ve defined each other’s careers, but hearing it… it hits different.”
Finally, in a moment of profound vulnerability, Hamilton shared his regrets: “I wish I’d let more people in sooner—friends, rivals, even you. Life’s too short, as Roscoe showed me. Don’t wait like I did; cherish the connections now.” This struck at Verstappen’s core, the 28-year-old who balances F1 supremacy with sim-racing empires and family life, often guarding his emotions fiercely. “That… that’s powerful,” he managed, pausing to compose himself. “Losing someone like that changes everything. Thanks for saying it—I needed to hear that today.”
The exchange, kept private until Hamilton shared snippets on his podcast “The Lewis Hamilton Show” this morning, has ignited a wave of positivity in the F1 paddock. Fans flooded social media with #PaddockForever tributes, while Verstappen reposted Hamilton’s announcement with a simple heart emoji. Even Timo Bernhard, five-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner, who admitted to getting “emotional” watching Verstappen’s GT3 triumph, praised the gesture as a reminder of racing’s human side.
As the drivers gear up for the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend—Verstappen chasing McLaren’s lead, Hamilton eyeing Ferrari’s resurgence—this story underscores the sport’s soul. In a world of carbon fiber and controversy, a simple collar and three honest words remind us: beneath the helmets, they’re just men, navigating loss and legacy together. Verstappen’s victory lap at the Nürburgring may have been his fastest, but this quiet act of kindness might just be his most enduring.
