MEXICO CITY, Oct 23 – Lewis Hamilton has shared how the recent passing of his cherished bulldog, Roscoe, has deepened his connection with fans worldwide, particularly as Mexico prepares for the Day of the Dead festivities.

In a touching tribute, fans and organizers at the Mexican Grand Prix have honored Roscoe with a statue placed on an altar at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, in anticipation of the November 2 celebration.

“This period of mourning has really strengthened my bond with people,” expressed the seven-time world champion, Hamilton.

“I’ve received countless paintings and drawings of Roscoe from fans, but my home feels emptier without him,” he added.

When informed about the Mexican folklore that dogs assist souls in crossing the river to the afterlife, Hamilton, with a smile, reflected on his pet’s playful nature.

“He’ll probably ask me to carry him over the river,” he chuckled, “since he never was a fan of water.”

“Yeah, he’ll be asking me to carry him over the river, probably, because he never liked water,” he said.

Hamilton reflected on how the outpouring of support has been particularly meaningful during turbulent times.

“For me, it’s been just really encouraging to see just in a time in the world where everything feels, it can feel very dark, and there is such a great divide, and particularly when you look at the people that are running these countries seem to have no empathy,” he said.

Hamilton explained how his love for animals influenced his decision to follow a plant-based diet, and how he had defied family scepticism about getting his own dog due to his travel schedule.

“You learn about a lot of empathy. You feel just love like that you could not get from anywhere else, really. They bring such happiness to you, they’re just the most joyous beings in the world,” he said.

Despite the loss, Hamilton keeps Roscoe’s memory alive at home. “I still have his bed and his toys everywhere, so he’s still much a part of the furniture,” he said.