Hamilton addressed fans in a difficult moment.

      Lewis Hamilton is going through a difficult time not only because his results on the racetrack have been disappointing.

      Everyone knows about his attachment to his four-legged companion, the bulldog Rosco, who is already quite old by dog standards. Rosco joined Lewis in 2013 and has often appeared in the paddock with his owner since then. But recently the dog has had serious health problems, and Rosco was once again in a veterinary clinic, after which Hamilton addressed his fans via social media.

      "Please keep Rosco in your thoughts. I want to keep you all updated," writes the seven-time world champion. "Rosco has pneumonia again; he was struggling to breathe. He is now at the clinic where they put him into a medically induced sleep, but during an examination his heart stopped.

      The vets managed to resuscitate him; he is now in a coma, but we don't know if he will wake up. Tomorrow we'll try to wake him. I am by his side and want to thank everyone for your prayers and support."

      Among those who immediately responded to the appeal were George Russell, James Vowles, the Williams team, Billy Monger and other figures from the motorsport world, and in just over an hour more than two million people had reacted to Hamilton's post.