Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is defiant in the face of the theft of his watch earlier in the week in Italy.
The championship leader was out with some friends, including his trainer Andrea Ferrari, in an unlit section of Viareggio when they were spotted by some locals who went over to greet them.
Sadly though, one of them saw fit to remove Leclerc’s watch from his wrist and snuck away before the 24-year-old even noticed it was being stolen.
READ: ‘They robbed us’: Leclerc victim of $320,000 robbery in Italy
He tried to chase down the thief when he became aware that the $320,000 Richard Mille watch was missing, but was unsuccessful in his attempts, so instead went to the police.
Ferrari hit out at the local authorities on Instagram, demanding better lighting in the Via Salvatori area of Viareggio.
“Via Salvatori has been completely in the dark for months. We have been reporting this for months,” he wrote.
“Well, yesterday evening in Via Salvatori, they have robbed us. Think of arranging the lamps sooner or later? Asking for a friend.”
Opening up on the incident, Leclerc noted that the police are actively investigating the theft and trying to recover the watch.
“I won’t go too much into details, it hasn’t been a great experience, I cannot say much more than that,” he said.
“But obviously everything is going on with the police, and they are trying to find them. It hasn’t been as smooth as what I’ve read.
“But yeah, overall, I am fine and fully focused on the weekend. It won’t hurt me for this weekend.”
Leclerc leads the Drivers’ Standings by 34 points from Mercedes’ George Russell after winning two of the opening three rounds of the 2022 season, and is looking forward to racing in front of the Tifosi for the first time this season.
“I’m very excited. After the first three races, everything has gone our way, and we seem to have a very strong car for this year,” he explained.
“Obviously to be at home for Ferrari, I know that in past years we had so much support here, and now to be here in that position, I’m sure it’s going to be special.”
However, the 2017 Formula 2 champion advises the Scuderia not to become complacent or “overdo things” this weekend after such a positive start to the year.
“But the most important thing for us this weekend is to not overdo things, which is easy whenever there is excitement, and whenever things are going well,” he warned.
READ: Sainz ‘strengthened’ by new Ferrari contract as he looks to challenge Leclerc
“We need to stay focused on our job, not try to do too much, and hopefully it will be a positive weekend.”
Ferrari lead Mercedes by 39 points in the Constructors’ Championship after two wins, a one-two and five podium finishes between Leclerc and team-mate Carlos Sainz.