Marco Andretti shares 3-word reaction to death of Lewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe that shocks fans

In a poignant moment that transcended the high-octane rivalries of motorsport, IndyCar veteran Marco Andretti offered a heartfelt three-word tribute to Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton following the heartbreaking passing of Hamilton’s beloved bulldog, Roscoe. The simple yet profound comment, “Sending love bro,” posted on Instagram, has left fans stunned, highlighting an unexpected bridge of empathy amid longstanding tensions between the two racing worlds.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who made headlines this year by joining Scuderia Ferrari in pursuit of an eighth title, announced Roscoe’s death on September 28, 2025, via a deeply personal Instagram post. The carousel of four cherished photos captured intimate moments with the English bulldog—Roscoe lounging on a couch, playfully posing in sunglasses, and curling up beside Hamilton during quieter times away from the racetrack. In a caption that laid bare his vulnerability, Hamilton recounted the agonizing final days of his companion’s life.

Roscoe, who had become something of a celebrity in his own right, first entered Hamilton’s life in 2017 as a steadfast source of comfort amid the pressures of elite racing. The bulldog frequently accompanied Hamilton to races, hotel rooms, and even made appearances in his social media feeds, often donning custom gear or simply stealing the show with his wrinkled charm. Fans affectionately dubbed him “Roscoe the Boss,” a nod to Hamilton’s own moniker, and the duo’s bond symbolized the driver’s softer side beyond the helmet and podium celebrations.

The ordeal began earlier in September when Roscoe was rushed to the veterinarian with a recurrence of pneumonia, a condition that had previously sidelined him in April 2025. Hamilton, fresh off a dominant sprint race victory at the Chinese Grand Prix—his first with Ferrari—canceled scheduled appearances and flew back from Monza to be by his pet’s side. In an earlier update, he revealed that sedatives administered during tests caused Roscoe’s heart to stop briefly, plunging the dog into a coma. For four grueling days, Roscoe remained on life support, with Hamilton making the unimaginable decision to let him go peacefully in his arms.

“It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet,” Hamilton wrote, reflecting on the euthanasia process—a first for him, though he noted his mother and friends had faced it before. He described holding Roscoe as his breathing slowed, emphasizing the dog’s peaceful departure and the void left behind. “Although I lost Coco [another pet years earlier], I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before… My heart is heavy, but I am grateful for the time we had.”

The outpouring of support from the global racing community was immediate and overwhelming. Fellow F1 drivers like Max Verstappen and George Russell shared messages of condolence, while Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc posted a simple heart emoji alongside a photo of himself with his own dog. But it was the reactions from the IndyCar paddock that added layers of intrigue, particularly Marco Andretti’s.

At 38, Andretti is no stranger to the spotlight, carrying the legacy of his grandfather Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 champion who once raced for Ferrari in the early 1970s. Marco himself stepped away from full-time IndyCar duties after 2020 but continues to compete in the Indianapolis 500 for Andretti Global, the family-run team. His post-retirement life has included fatherhood—welcoming son Miura Micah in September 2024—and vocal commentary on the sport, often via social media.

What makes Andretti’s response so jarring is the backdrop of friction between him and Hamilton. The Andretti family’s bid to enter Formula 1 as an 11th team in 2026 was dramatically rejected by Formula One Management earlier this year, a decision that Andretti publicly attributed to resistance from existing teams, including pointed criticism toward Hamilton. The Mercedes star had expressed concerns over the dilution of the grid and the readiness of newcomers, fueling a narrative of elitism in F1 that Andretti and his father Michael decried as unfair. Social media exchanges had grown tense, with Andretti tweeting frustrations over F1’s “closed shop” mentality just months ago.

Yet, in the comment section of Hamilton’s post, Andretti set aside that animosity with “Sending love bro.” The brevity amplified its sincerity, cutting through the noise of professional grudges. Fans, accustomed to Andretti’s sharp-witted jabs at F1’s inner circle, were caught off guard. “Marco showing heart like this? Didn’t see that coming after the F1 drama,” tweeted one user, encapsulating the widespread surprise. Another commented, “From rivals to real talk—motorsport family wins today.” The reaction sparked a flurry of discussions on platforms like Reddit and X, where threads dissected the comment as a rare moment of unity.

This wasn’t isolated; other IndyCar figures echoed the sentiment. Danica Patrick, a former Andretti Autosport driver, penned a longer tribute: “I’m so sorry. Dogs have such a special place in our lives. Losing one is one of the hardest experiences. Praying for your heart and Roscoe’s peace in heaven over the rainbow bridge.” Likes and hearts poured in from Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Pato O’Ward, and even Marcus Ericsson, underscoring a shared humanity that binds racers across series.

For Hamilton, Roscoe’s passing comes at a pivotal juncture. Now settled into Ferrari’s scarlet machinery, he’s chasing history in a season marked by intense battles with Verstappen and McLaren’s rising stars. His Chinese sprint triumph in April signaled a strong start, and Andretti himself had congratulated him on X with “This is pretty awesome,” a nod to the Ferrari heritage that Mario Andretti helped shape. Yet, the loss has prompted Hamilton to reflect publicly on work-life balance, hinting at future advocacy for pet health awareness—perhaps through his Mission 44 foundation.

In the broader motorsport tapestry, this episode serves as a reminder that beneath the engines’ roar and strategic maneuvers lies profound personal stakes. Roscoe wasn’t just a pet; he was a confidant, a stress reliever, and a fan favorite who humanized one of racing’s most scrutinized figures. Marco Andretti’s three words, though simple, shocked because they humanized him too—proving that grief can dissolve divides faster than any qualifying lap.

As Hamilton prepares for the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, tributes continue to flood in. A makeshift memorial at Silverstone, where Roscoe once roamed the paddock, features fan-placed flowers and toy bulldogs. The racing world mourns with him, but also celebrates a life that brought joy to millions. In the end, “Sending love bro” isn’t just a reaction; it’s a testament to the unspoken code that unites those who live life in the fast lane.