Williams driver Alex Albon could soon welcome another member to his already extensive menagerie of pets - at the suggestion of his mother, Kankamol Albon, who has urged him to adopt Baku's now world-famous "paddock cat."
According to Idman.biz, this unassuming feline from Azerbaijan's capital has become the breakout star of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stealing attention from even the most celebrated Formula 1 drivers. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, the cat quickly won over fans, mechanics, and racers, earning an unofficial title as the paddock"s mascot.
On Instagram, Kankamol Albon shared a heartfelt message to the cat:
"Hello. If you find Alex, you can ask him to give you a ride. Please tell him that Mom and elder sisters say you're welcome to come live with us at home."
For the Albons, adding one more animal to the household would hardly be unusual - their home is already shared with 13 cats, a dog, and even a horse.
Images and videos of the cat have since taken social media by storm, amassing tens of thousands of likes and comments. Team accounts, photographers, journalists, and fans have all joined in, posting photos and clips of the weekend's unlikely sensation. At times, it seemed the feline had outshone even Formula 1's biggest personalities.
Track officials initially attempted to remove the cat from the paddock for safety reasons, but it returned twice, as if determined to claim its place at the center of attention. By the third appearance, no one bothered to intervene - the paddock had embraced its newest star. The cat, for its part, proved both friendly and persistent, happily interacting with drivers, mechanics, and spectators.
Mercedes went so far as to invite the newcomer into its hospitality suite, where it posed like a seasoned celebrity beside the helmets of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. As a playful touch, the team even presented the cat with a miniature helmet.
Online, the conversation has turned to finding the perfect name for Formula 1's latest mascot. Suggestions include "Safety Cat," "Max Purrstappen," "Furrari," "Sebastian Vett-tail," and "Mr. McClawren." Fans are enthusiastically voting, while sports outlets around the world compile lists of the most creative options.
Amid a sport synonymous with speed and precision, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has offered a charming reminder: sometimes the most memorable moments come not from the cars, but from an unlikely stray who captures the heart of the entire paddock.
Idman.biz
