Arturo was said to bring good luck to those in the paddock at Imola, with success stories including Lewis Hamilton taking a victory after he was snapped petting the car in the Mercedes pit. Sebastian Vettel, however, was not so lucky. He steered clear of Arturo during an interview with Sky Sports F1, and while presenter Ted Kravitz informed Vettel of the good luck Arturo was supposed to bring, Vettel replied, “I don’t like cats, but maybe I’ll like this one. I have nothing to offer it. He’s a bit overweight, though, maybe because there hasn’t been much racing lately.”
Vettel qualified 12th in his Ferrari that day and finished the race weekend in 12th.
Arturo was a regular at the track, whether there was Formula 1 happening or Porsche 911 cup cars taking to the track.
An official cause of death was not stated, but we suspect it was simply old age. Rest easy, Arturo – the real King of Imola.