After an intense weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz found himself in an unexpected showdown with thieves who attempted to snatch his prized Richard Mille watch, valued at approximately £500,000.
Despite the harrowing experience, Sainz successfully apprehended the culprits, leading to their subsequent arrest by the Milan police.
The incident unfolded shortly after Sainz secured an impressive third-place finish at the Monza circuit.
What should have been a celebratory evening took a dramatic turn as the Spanish racer became embroiled in a chase to recover his cherished timepiece.
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The thieves managed to flee initially, but Sainz’s determination ultimately prevailed as he tracked them down and retrieved his stolen watch.
Local authorities swiftly intervened, leading to the apprehension of two suspects involved in the robbery.
This incident highlights the need for heightened security measures around high-profile sporting events, as the allure of luxury items can sometimes attract criminals.
Despite the shock and inconvenience of the incident, Carlos Sainz took to social media to reassure his supporters and share his thoughts on the ordeal.
In an Instagram story, he expressed, “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.
“Many thanks to all the people who helped us yesterday, to the Milan police for their quick intervention, and thanks for all your messages.”
Carlos Sainz is not the only Formula 1 driver to have fallen victim to theft in recent times.
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His teammate, the Monegasque sensation Charles Leclerc, encountered a similar misfortune when his Richard Mille watch was stolen in the picturesque Italian coastal town of Viareggio.
In a seemingly orchestrated theft, Leclerc was approached by two individuals wearing motorcycle helmets who posed as enthusiastic fans seeking a selfie with the star driver.
Instead, they brazenly made off with Leclerc’s valuable watch, leaving him astonished and robbed of his prized possession.