The world of motorsports and technology has been rocked by news that has captured the attention of millions: Lewis Hamilton, the iconic Formula 1 driver, has decided to end his sponsorship contract with Astronomer, a technology company valued at over $1 billion.

The reason behind this drastic decision is not a strategic shift in his career, but rather a scandal of global proportions involving the company’s CEO, Andy Byron, and an alleged infidelity that has sparked a media storm.

It all began at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston on July 16, 2025. During the event, the well-known “kiss cam” projected a couple embracing, enjoying the music, onto giant screens. However, what seemed like a romantic moment became the epicenter of controversy.

The images showed Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, in an intimate embrace with Kristin Cabot, the company’s Human Resources Director. Both reacted when they realized they were on screen with obvious discomfort: Byron quickly let go of Cabot, who covered her face, trying to escape the gaze of thousands of viewers.

Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin added a humorous comment that further fueled the situation: “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.” The audience’s laughter resounded, but the video, recorded by attendees, quickly went viral on social media, reaching hundreds of millions of views.

The controversy quickly escalated. Internet users identified the protagonists and discovered that both Byron and Cabot are married, albeit to other people. Byron, Megan Kerrigan Byron’s husband and father of two, saw his personal life crumble in the public eye. Megan reportedly removed her husband’s last name from her social media and deactivated her profiles, a sign many interpreted as a response to the painful discovery. Cabot, who divorced in 2018, also faced public scrutiny, especially since her role as head of Human Resources raises ethical questions about workplace relationships.

Astronomer, a company known for its work in data analytics and artificial intelligence, with clients including Apple, Uber, and LinkedIn, reacted quickly. The company announced an internal investigation and suspended both Byron and Cabot while the incident was clarified. However, the media pressure and internal criticism were relentless. Former employees described Byron as a “toxic” and “sales-obsessed” leader, adding fuel to the fire. Just three days after the incident, on July 19, Astronomer confirmed that Byron had submitted his resignation, which was accepted by the board of directors. The company appointed Pete DeJoy, co-founder and chief product officer, as interim CEO while they search for a new leader.

Lewis Hamilton’s decision to end his relationship with Astronomer comes at a critical time. The driver, known for his commitment to ethical values and carefully crafted image, could not afford to associate himself with a company embroiled in a scandal that has generated ridicule, memes, and debates about privacy and corporate ethics. Astronomer’s fortune, valued at over $1 billion, now faces an uncertain future, as the company’s reputation has been battered by this episode. The virality of the video, combined with Hamilton’s reaction, has turned this story into a phenomenon that transcends the business and sports worlds, capturing the attention of audiences on social networks like Facebook, where users share and comment endlessly.

This scandal raises broader questions about privacy at public events and the impact of social media on personal and professional lives. As Hamilton prepares for his next race, his decision to cut ties with Astronomer sends a clear message: in a world where anything can go viral, integrity and transparency are more important than ever. The future of Astronomer, and of those involved in this drama, remains a mystery that will keep everyone on edge.