Dramatic footage has emerged of Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc chasing down thieves in his custom Ferrari after they stole his rare and expensive Richard Mille watch back in 2022.
Ahead of the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the Monégasque Ferrari driver was reportedly enjoying a night out with friends in Viareggio, Tuscany – a popular seaside resort – when two fans asked him for a selfie… Only to nick Leclerc’s rare Richard Mille RM 67-02 Automatic Extra Flat watch (worth at least AU$400,000) right off his wrist.
At the time, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and the Italian police were tight-lipped about what had actually transpired – but now, the carabinieri has released footage from that night last year that shows Leclerc chasing down the two thieves on a scooter in his own custom Ferrari 488 Pista Spider.
This footage has emerged as Italian police have confirmed that they’ve arrested four people wanted in connection with the theft, while also confirming that they found two “valuable watches, the provenance of which will be investigated further,” while searching the house of one of the suspects.
WATCH Charles Leclerc hunt down the thieves who stole his watch below.
We reckon it’s pretty ballsy of Leclerc to try and chase down the thieves himself… Considering his 488 Pista Spider would easily be worth a lot more than his watch. Imagine confronting the thieves only to get your car nicked, too!
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Leclerc’s 488 Pista, which features a distinctive black wrap with Italian flag pinstripes, was reportedly the first example of the car to be driven in Monaco… Although knowing what Monaco’s like, we’re sure it’s not the only one gracing the streets of the wealthy principality these days.
Leclerc isn’t the only F1 driver to have had their watch stolen. McLaren driver Lando Norris was mugged for his Richard Mille RM 67-02 (yeah, the exact same model of watch) at the UEFA Euro 2020 final back in 2021.
Then-Aston Martin driver and four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel was also robbed in front of a hotel in Barcelona ahead of the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix. It’s dangerous business being an F1 driver…