2020 wasn’t the best year for Sebastian Vettel, as there was a sudden drop in performance compared to his teammate. Vettel outqualified Charles Leclerc only four times that year, and his Ferrari career too came to an end in 2020. In lieu of his deteriorating performance, the German was allegedly cursed at the Imola by a cat named Furmolino.
Formulino, who lived at the track, had become a cult figure as he’d often been spotted wandering in and out of teams’ garages as he pleased. Unfortunately, the cat will no longer be spotted, as reports suggest Formulino passed away last Sunday.
Video of Sebastian Vettel’s chance encounter with Formulino resurfaces
A video of the four-time world champion calling the good luck-bearing cat overweight has resurfaced after Formulino passed away. Sebastian Vettel had encountered the cat during a pre-race interview prior to the Italian GP. But the German didn’t stroke it, and this was considered the moment where the cat cursed the four time Red Bull Champ. As F1 drivers and staff are known for their superstitious tendencies, so when rumours arose of a cat bringing good luck, they were likely to accept them.
One of my favourite Formula 1 moments, Formulino vs Sebastian Vettel ☹️🫶🏽pic.twitter.com/l3WVfqoMZd
— t 🌿 (@formullana) August 13, 2023
Reporter Ted Kravitz told Vettel, “It’s good luck if he comes and sees you,” during an interview in 2020.
To which the german replied “I don’t like cats,” and he further went on to say “I have nothing to offer it. He’s a bit overweight though, maybe because there hasn’t been much racing lately.”
Reports did not boast of any extraordinary performance from Vettel in the classic red livery of the prancing horse earlier, but following this incident, the aura simply went downhill. Is the innocent cat to be blamed?
The feline reportedly cursed Vettel
Superstition or not, Following the cat incident during the interview, Sebastian Vettel went on to have a very poor race-weekend, as he qualified 14th and improved only two spots and finished in the 12 position due to a 13-second pit stop. Sebastian couldn’t score any points that weekend and was also outpaced by his teammate, who finished the race in the fifth position that weekend.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton, who was seen stroking the cat on his way into the Mercedes garage, went on to win the race after starting in third place. This led some to believe that Vettel had angered the racing gods by refusing to stroke the cat, while Hamilton had earned their favour.
Of course, it is impossible to say for sure whether or not superstition played a role in Sebastian Vettel’s and Hamilton’s results. However, the story is a reminder that even the most rational people can be influenced by superstition, especially in high-pressure situations like Formula 1 racing.
What are your views on attributing Lewis’ first-place finish to a cat and Let us know your views on superstitions in Formula 1.
