The well-known Imola cat Formulino that might have as soon as cursed Sebastian Vettel and brought Lewis Hamilton best of luck has actually apparently died.
The sight of a cat in the F1 paddock is uncommon at almost every circuit other than one, Imola. Formulino, who lives at the track, has actually ended up being a cult figure as he has actually frequently been found roaming in and out of groups’ garages as he pleases.
But that sight will sadly disappear after the cat apparently died on Sunday.
The curse of the cat for Sebastian Vettel?
Like most sportspeople, F1 drivers and staff can be a superstitious lot so when a cat apparently brings best of luck, you can be sure they will think it.
Well, many will. Then-Ferrari driver Vettel might have outraged the racing gods when he decreased to stroke the cat, going on to state he dislikes them and called Formulino obese.
“It’s good luck if he comes and sees you,” Sky Sports F1 press reporter Ted Kravitz informed Vettel throughout an interview in 2020.
“I don’t like cats,” was the German’s reply. “I have nothing to offer it. He’s a bit overweight though, maybe because there hasn’t been much racing lately.”
Superstition or not, it ended up being a dreadful weekend for the Ferrari man as he certified 14th and enhanced just 2 areas in the race itself after a 13-second rest stop.
It was a various story for Lewis Hamilton though who was seen rubbing the cat on his method into the Mercedes garage and as luck would have it, Hamilton went on to win the Imola race after beginning in P3.
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Formulino is not the only altercation Vettel has actually had with animals throughout an F1 weekend as a number of seagulls cost him triumph at the 2016 Canadian Grand Prix.
As he entered into Turn 1, Vettel saw 2 “suicidal” seagulls resting on the track and felt the requirement to avoid.
“I was a bit distracted, we chatted about it and I have to mention it, there were two seagulls, I think they were a couple who wanted to commit suicide!” Vettel said.
“They were at the apex of Turn 1 so I saw them and I just went wide into Turn 1. Lewis obviously didn’t care so made up quite a bit of time, half a second, but I didn’t do the couple that favour to maybe say goodbye for good. So by the time Lewis came round, they changed their mind and flew off! It wasn’t fair. I brake for animals, Lewis doesn’t!”
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