Lewis Hamilton’s Heart-Wrenching Absence: Zhou Guanyu Shines as Ferrari’s Stand-In!
In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Lewis Hamilton’s beloved pet dog, Roscoe, has been hospitalized following a severe cardiac arrest. The 40-year-old racing icon took to Instagram to share the heart-wrenching news, revealing that his furry friend is currently in a coma. As fans rallied around Hamilton in an outpouring of support, the F1 landscape was left to grapple with the impact of his absence.
Due to this emotional crisis, Hamilton was forced to miss the highly anticipated Pirelli tyre test at Mugello. Stepping up to the plate in his absence was none other than Zhou Guanyu, the former F1 star and Ferrari reserve driver. Despite the somber circumstances, Zhou’s performance during the rainy test days has ignited a wave of fan appreciation across social media.
Ferrari showcased Zhou’s driving skills in a series of captivating images from the test, where he shared the track with fellow driver Charles Leclerc, piloting a mule car based on the SF-25. Fans showered Zhou with gratitude, with one supporter remarking, “Thank you Zhou for stepping in… Let’s hope Roscoe bounces back from this one.” Another chimed in with, “Your support means everything to us and to Lewis and Roscoe.” The sentiment was palpable, as Zhou’s willingness to step into the spotlight during a challenging time for Hamilton resonated deeply with the F1 faithful.
As Hamilton faced the emotional toll of his pet’s health crisis, he also announced that he would miss the prestigious Ferrari fashion show in Milan, adding to the weight of the situation. Meanwhile, the action continued at Mugello, where Haas also played a role in the test sessions, initially focusing on the hard compounds for the upcoming 2026 season. However, unpredictable weather conditions complicated testing efforts, forcing teams to adapt to the rain-soaked track.
The rain persisted, hindering drivers like Leclerc from achieving optimal performance, with his best lap time of 1:34.914 falling short in the morning session. Zhou, undeterred by the elements, showcased his resilience by completing an impressive 75 laps, ultimately setting a fastest time of 1:22.012 in mixed conditions. Pirelli’s Director of Motorsport, Mario Isola, expressed disappointment over the weather, noting, “That’s a shame, as Mugello is not just a wonderful circuit, but also very demanding on tyres.”
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, the ramifications of Hamilton’s absence are being felt deeply. Will Roscoe recover, allowing Hamilton to return to the track? And can Zhou Guanyu continue to build on this momentum, proving that he is more than just a reserve? The answers remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the spirit of F1 is alive and thriving, even in the face of adversity.
Stay tuned for further updates as the saga unfolds, and let’s hope for the best for Hamilton and his beloved companion, Roscoe. The racing season is just heating up, and the drama is only beginning!