Carlos Sainz Jr. Chases Down Thieves Who Attempted to Steal His $315,000 Watch

Having claimed his first pole of the 2023 F1 season, leading from Max Verstappen for 14 laps at the start, and managing to hold on to a podium position in front of Ferrari’s home fans, you’d think Carlos Sainz Jr deserved a break from the action. But instead, the Spanish driver found himself chasing after a pair of thieves who attempted to rob him of his Richard Mille watch, estimated to be worth $315,000.

The Ferrari driver took to social media to confirm that an “unfortunate incident” had befallen him in Milan. “As many of you already know, yesterday we experienced an unfortunate incident in Milano,” said Sainz. “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.”

Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the F1 star was targeted outside the Armani hotel in Milan, at around 8:30 pm. Sainz, his manager, and a member of his staff chased after the robbers. They were assisted by passers-by who intervened to stop the crime, and the watch was recovered. The two suspects are being held in police custody.

Sainz has become the third Formula 1 driver in recent memory to be targeted for what’s on their wrist. In April 2022, Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc was posing for a selfie with two supposed fans when they robbed him of his timepiece — a one-of-a-kind Richard Mille reported to be worth $2 million. In that instance, the F1 driver used his Ferrari 488 Pista to chase the suspects, who were later apprehended.

And, during the final of the Euro 2020 soccer championship in May 2021, McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris was allegedly put in a headlock, with his watch being stolen at the Wembley Stadium in London. The watch in question was yet another one-off Richard Mille, worth a reported $176,000.

It is unfortunate to see these incidents happening to high-profile athletes, but it also highlights the value and allure of luxury watches. Richard Mille watches are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and limited production, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The unique designs and use of high-quality materials contribute to their high price tags.

These incidents also shed light on the vulnerability of individuals in public spaces. Despite their fame and success, Formula 1 drivers are not immune to criminal activities. It serves as a reminder for everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.

Fortunately, in Sainz’s case, the quick intervention of the Milan police and the assistance of bystanders led to the recovery of his watch and the apprehension of the suspects. It is a testament to the effectiveness of law enforcement and the willingness of people to help in times of need.

As for Sainz, he can now focus on his upcoming races with peace of mind, knowing that he has overcome this unfortunate incident. The support from fans and the Formula 1 community has undoubtedly provided him with a sense of comfort and reassurance.

In conclusion, Carlos Sainz Jr’s encounter with thieves attempting to steal his $315,000 watch serves as a reminder of the risks faced by high-profile individuals and the allure of luxury timepieces. It also highlights the importance of personal safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in ensuring justice. Despite the incident, Sainz remains grateful for the support he has received and is ready to continue his pursuit of success on the race track.