Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to an ‘amazing friend’ who has played a key role in his private life for many years, including helping to look after his beloved bulldogs
18:38, 01 Oct 2025Updated 18:41, 01 Oct 2025
Lewis Hamilton lost his beloved dog Roscoe
Lewis Hamilton has honoured his “amazing friend” Kirstin McMillan, who has been a significant figure in his personal life for many years.
As the trainer and carer of the Formula 1 driver’s bulldogs Roscoe and Coco, she ensured they were well cared for while he was away racing. Hamilton adopted the duo in 2013 but was informed that one of them might not have a long lifespan.
Coco passed away in 2020 from a suspected heart attack, while Roscoe was thought to be around 13 years old when he was put to sleep on Sunday night after falling into a coma days earlier.
For the first time, Hamilton had to make the heartbreaking decision after his cherished bulldog’s heart stopped on Friday and, despite his heartbeat being revived, he never regained consciousness. In a recent social media post, the 40-year-old revealed that he made the decision to say goodbye to Roscoe after consulting with McMillan.
He also acknowledged the remarkable work the renowned dog trainer has done over the years. Hamilton shared with his 41.2 million followers: “I want you to take time to uplift my amazing friend Kirstin. She trained both Roscoe and Coco and treated them like family. She helped look after their health and it is really through her that Roscoe lived so long.
Lewis Hamilton adopted his beloved bulldog Roscoe in 2013(Image: Sutton Images)
“While I was travelling, she would take care of him and loved him as if he was hers. She was there every day, all day. Even with a family and other dogs to look after, she never missed a day. We stood together when letting Roscoe go. I am so grateful to have had her in my life and Roscoe’s life. There is nobody like you Kirstin. Thank you.”
Roscoe’s passing followed his second battle with pneumonia this year. McMillan had previously disclosed the bulldog’s first illness publicly in April, revealing he was receiving treatment from a veterinarian who employs “combined Eastern and Western” medicine to aid his recovery.
On Wednesday, she shared a message from the All On The Board social media account, which posts whiteboard messages from the London Underground, concerning Roscoe’s loss. The tribute stated: “Rest in peace Roscoe Hamilton, you will be forever loved and never forgotten. We are sending love and thoughts to your bestie Lewis who is going through a pain so many of us know.
Lewis Hamilton thanked his “amazing friend” Kirstin McMillan(Image: @lewishamilton)
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“It isn’t just the world of F1 that could see you loved each other and rejoiced in your fun. You were always side by side wherever you would go.
“A pet is more than a pet, each one of you becomes a family member and a wonderful friend. It breaks our hearts when our time together on earth comes to an end, but you live forever in memories because we love you so.”
Hamilton will need to compose himself before heading to Asia for this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. The Briton sits sixth in the drivers’ standings with 121 points accumulated this year, whilst his Ferrari team will attempt to regain second place in the constructors’ championship, having dropped to four points behind Mercedes following their miserable weekend in Azerbaijan.