Formula One Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. was robbed of his luxury watch hours after placing third at the Italian Grand Prix Sunday, but the speedster was able to chase down the crooks and get it back.
Sainz, 29, of Spain, was targeted near the Armani Hotel in Milan for his $540,000 Richard Mille timepiece while still wearing his team uniform, according to ESPN.
The driver, his trainer and witnesses then gave chase to the suspects and were able to retrieve the watch, the report said, citing Italian media.
Sainz was then filmed catching his breath as police handcuffed a suspect.
The Spaniard then took to X to discuss the incident.
“As many of you already know, yesterday we experienced an unfortunate incident in Milano. The most important thing is that we are all OK and this will only remain as an unpleasant anecdote,” Sainz wrote.
Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr (R) looks on during the drivers’ parade prior to the Italian Formula One Grand Prix race at Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit Sunday. AFP via Getty Images
Sainz, 29, of Spain, was targeted near the Armani Hotel in Milan for his $540,000 Richard Mille timepiece. Alamy Stock Photo“Many thanks to all the people who helped us yesterday, to the Milan police for their quick intervention and thanks for all your messages.”
Sainz was then filmed catching his breath as police handcuffed a suspect. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Ferrari driver was able to retrieve his watch. Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe robbery came a year after his teammate Formula One driver Charles Leclerc was robbed of his Richard Millewatch in Italy watch by four suspects, who were later arrested.
Driver Lando Norris was also robbed of an exclusive Richard Mille piece in 2020 while watching a soccer game, and a suspect was later found not guilty, according to Planet F1.
