Who is Formulino: The secret cat at Imola became an internet sensation after its first appearance in Imola in 2020; some call it lucky.
After a gap of 14 years, Imola resurfaced in Formula 1’s calendar, courtesy of the rampant spread of COVID-19, which forced several hosts to back out from the competition. Thus, Imola was one of the replacements.
While Imola won hearts with its breathtaking circuit, it also introduced a strange character in the paddock. Formulinho, the secret cat of Imola.
The cat was seen as a regular visitor to the teams’ garage before last year Grand Prix; he became a famous name among the paddock, with many considering his presence to be lucky.
Then-Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel was graced by Formulino as he spoke to Sky Sports in the media pen. “It’s good luck if he comes and sees you,” presenter Ted Kravitz told Vettel.
But Vettel wasn’t so enthused. “I don’t like cats,” he said. “I have nothing to offer it. He’s a bit overweight, though…”
Lewis Hamilton was more welcoming.
While Vettel showed his displeasure with the cat, Lewis Hamilton, on the contrary, claimed that he is pleased with Formulinho’s presence in the paddock.
Formulino was quick to say hello to the reigning world champion, who took a moment to give him a stroke and pet his head. Later, Mercedes’ Twitter account pointed out, both he and the team had been “blessed by the Imola cat”.
The good luck offered by the cat to Hamilton paid off, as he clinched a victory after surpassing Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen to claim his victory at Imola.
From that day, Formulino has joined the ranks of most famous pets in the sport, including Roscoe- the pet dog of Hamilton.
