Lewis Hamilton said he has ‘lost his best friend’ after confirming he has had his beloved dog Roscoe put down in an emotional statement.

The Ferrari star said he had made the painful decision to put his beloved dog to sleep after Roscoe had been on life support for four days.

The English Bulldog had routinely accompanied the seven-time world champion 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.

Hamilton has now shared an emotional statement on social media confirming Roscoe’s death at the age of 12, with the star sharing photos of their pair together.

‘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.’

Hamilton added on X: ‘Lost my best friend last night. Thank you all for the love you’ve shown him over the years. Roscoe forever.’

Hamilton added ‘He’s with Coco now’ in reference to another of his dogs, which passed away five years ago.

The official F1 account on X joined tributes for Roscoe and offered condolences to Hamilton.

‘Rest in Peace Roscoe Hamilton, a true star in his own right,’ the account posted.

‘Lewis Hamilton’s beloved Roscoe brought smiles to the paddock and warmed the hearts of fans all over the world. Our thoughts are with Lewis during this difficult time.

‘Rest easy Roscoe, from paddock pup to Dogue icon, thank you for the pawprints you left on all of our hearts.’

Ferrari posted on social media: ‘Forever part of the paddock, rest easy, Roscoe,’ alongside images of the bulldog with Hamilton.

Roscoe, at 12, had exceeded the average life expectancy of a bulldog which is typically between eight to 10 years.

Hamilton had missed a Pirelli tyre test last week to be with Roscoe in hospital.

Roscoe’s death comes amid a difficult season for Hamilton since making the switch to Ferrari from Mercedes.

The Englishman currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship and without a win for the Prancing Horse after finishing eighth in Azerbaijan.

He’s often cut a frustrated figure in recent months, and that was no different after practice in Baku.

Having qualified in just 12th, the 40-year-old admitted he was ‘so disappointed’ with his performance.