Hamilton misses Mugello tyre test as Roscoe ill, Zhou to stand in

Lewis Hamilton asked fans to keep his longtime dog Roscoe in their thoughts on Wednesday after posting a photograph of the 12 year old bulldog at a veterinary clinic and withdrew from Friday’s Pirelli tyre test at Mugello, where Ferrari confirmed reserve driver Zhou Guanyu will stand in. Hamilton shared the image on Instagram with the caption, "Its been a scary few hours, everyone please keep Roscoe in your thoughts and prayers," and Pirelli later named Zhou to replace the seven time world champion for the final day of running.

Hamilton did not give further medical details in the post. Accounts differ on Roscoe’s current condition. Some reports described the pet as being in critical condition, while others said he was hospitalised for observation. It is unclear whether the dog’s present illness is a recurrence of the pneumonia diagnosed in April. Roscoe’s trainer, Kristin McMillan, has previously said the bulldog received integrative care that combined conventional treatments and holistic approaches, including antibiotics, acupuncture and a high dose vitamin C intravenous drip, to support recovery.

Roscoe has been a fixture in the paddock since joining Hamilton’s travelling...