Lewis Hamilton reveals outpour of 'overwhelming' support after passing of much-loved pet Roscoe

Lewis Hamilton has shared the magnitude of the response to the passing of his much-loved pet dog, Roscoe.

The seven-time F1 drivers' champion made the heartbreaking decision to put down the 12-year-old bulldog last week.

Roscoe had contracted pneumonia and was put to sleep on Sunday, with Hamilton by his side in comfort.

The Ferrari driver missed an F1 tyre test last Friday, as Roscoe was on life support at the time, and informed fans around the world of his loss over social media on Monday.

When asked by media, including RacingNews365, about the support and affection he had received from both inside and outside the F1 paddock ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton 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 yeah, he was the most important thing in my life, so it was a very difficult experience, and I know so many people in the world have gone through it, and know what it's like to have a pet; they give you such amazing love, and it's an amazing experience.

"I'm really just looking forward to now, just getting back in the car and doing what I love doing here [in F1]."

Getting a result for Roscoe

Hamilton has endured a difficult first season with Ferrari and has yet to claim a podium finish for the Italian team.

When asked by RacingNews365 for his thoughts on getting a result for Roscoe at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the 40-year-old highlighted the wide range of people he would like to perform well for.

"There's a lot of people that deserve a good result from my side: This team, the Tifosi and the people that have been following me, and all the people, as I said, that have been checking in and been so supportive this past whole year, but also particularly this past week," Hamilton replied.

"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."