Bernie Ecclestone "happy" to look after Lewis Hamilton's bulldog

Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that he is "happy" to look after Lewis Hamilton's new bulldog Roscoe while he's racing.

While animals are usually banned from racetracks, Ecclestone has revealed that Hamilton will be granted a pass, which will allow the Mercedes driver to take his dog into the paddock behind the pits.

"He has [asked for a pass] and, yes, he will get it," Ecclestone told Formula1.com. "I am a huge fan of bulldogs. I have told him that I would also be happy giving the dog a pass for the grid. And I will be happy to look after the dog while he is racing."

The new F1 season gets underway this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix.