Max Verstappen has sparked an unexpected conversation about pets in Formula 1, specifically addressing Lewis Hamilton’s beloved dog, Roscoe. While F1 often focuses on high-speed rivalries, Verstappen shifted gears to highlight the potential stress the paddock environment may cause pets. Hamilton frequently brings Roscoe along during race weekends, but Verstappen warned that the atmosphere might not be suitable for dogs.
Pet Owners in the F1 Circuit
Many F1 drivers are pet lovers. Max Verstappen owns two Bengal cats, and Alex Albon has an extensive range of pets, including dogs and horses. However, Lewis Hamilton’s bulldog, Roscoe, is the most famous pet in the paddock, accompanying the seven-time world champion on his travels since 2013.
Despite Hamilton’s efforts to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle for Roscoe, the 11-year-old dog faced health issues in 2024. Verstappen pointed out that constant attention and petting from fans and teams could overwhelm Roscoe.
“Even if I had a dog, I wouldn’t want the dog to come here [in the F1 paddock] because it’s very stressful. Everyone wanting to touch him, it’s not nice for a dog,” Verstappen explained.
Hamilton Prepares for Ferrari Move
As Hamilton and Roscoe gear up for their next chapter, the 39-year-old driver prepares to debut with Ferrari. He is expected to start testing the car by the end of January. With a new team and fresh challenges ahead, managing stress for both himself and Roscoe remains a priority.
Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship Loss – Blessing in Disguise?
Beyond pet concerns, Verstappen also addressed Red Bull’s performance in the 2024 season. After finishing third in the constructors’ championship, Red Bull faced criticism for sticking too long with Sergio Perez, whose struggles contributed to the team’s decline.
However, Verstappen sees a silver lining. Under the Aerodynamic Testing Allowance (ATA) system introduced in 2021, the reigning champion receives only 70% of the baseline testing allowance. With Red Bull finishing third, they now qualify for 80% of the allowance in early 2025. This increase gives them an edge in preparing for the 2026 regulations reset.
“We won the drivers’ [title], didn’t win the constructors’, so we gained a bit of wind tunnel time. In a way, maybe that’s positive,” Verstappen admitted.
Preparing for 2026 Regulation Changes
With 2026 set to bring the biggest regulatory changes in F1 history, teams are prioritizing resource allocation. While Red Bull’s increased wind tunnel time offers an advantage, other teams are also preparing for the overhaul, making efficiency in development critical.
Key Takeaways for F1 Fans
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Lewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe remains a fan favorite, but Max Verstappen raised concerns about the stress of the F1 paddock environment for pets.
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Hamilton is preparing for his Ferrari debut by late January, marking the beginning of a new era.
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Red Bull’s constructors’ championship loss could benefit their preparations for 2026 regulations, with more testing resources available.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans are eagerly watching Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari and Verstappen’s strategic approach to staying ahead in the race for future dominance.
