Lewis Hamilton has put on a brave face in Singapore on his first public appearance since the death of his beloved dog Roscoe.
The Ferrari star turned up for testing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Friday ahead of an important weekend for the Scuderia.
Hamilton announced earlier this week that Roscoe had had to be put down aged 12 following a health battle.
And the Brit, 40, kept a low profile with his cap on and his head down as he made his way through the paddock.
He will be hoping to bounce back from a heartbreaking week with a positive result in a nation where he has won four Grands Prix.
Sharing his tragic news earlier this week, the seven-time world champion said he had lost his ‘best friend’ after putting him to sleep following four days on life support.
Roscoe routinely accompanied the icon on the Formula One circuit and built a vast fanbase.
Over 1.4million people followed an Instagram account dedicated to Roscoe, which features a biography stating ‘I’m a vegan bulldog that loves to travel, play ball and get attention from all the girls.’
Roscoe was taken into hospital last week after contracting pneumonia.
The canine’s condition had worsened with Hamilton revealing Roscoe’s heart had stopped when he was sedated last week. His heart was restarted with Hamilton appealing to fans to keep Roscoe in their thoughts when he announced the bulldog was in a coma.
‘After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe,’ Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
‘He never stopped fighting, right until the very end. I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend.
‘Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.
‘Although I lost Coco, I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before, though I know my mum and many close friends have.
‘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. Although it was so hard, having him was one of the most beautiful parts of life, to love so deeply and to be loved in return.
‘Thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown Roscoe over the years. It has been so special to witness and feel.
‘He died on Sunday evening, 28th September in my arms.’
