F1 world championship leader has N 191 million watch stolen in Easter robbery
Leclerc reported the incident to local police who are now investigating the incident and looking into whether the robbery was pre-meditated or opportunistic
Ferrari's Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc was the victim of a robbery after returning to Italy ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend, with the world championship leader losing his watch reportedly worth $320,000 (£245,000).
According to reports in Italy, Leclerc was out with a group of friends including trainer Andrea Ferrari in the Tuscan city of Viareggio as he enjoyed the Easter Monday celebrations.
The group were walking in the poorly lit Via Salvatori area when Leclerc was recognised by fans at around 10pm.
Despite a frantic jostle for space, the 24-year-old signed autographs and took photographs with excited fans desperate to meet the Ferrari superstar.
Amid the frenzy, a thief managed to secure a pricey prize by snatching Leclerc’s watch from his wrist, escaping before the Monegasque driver had even realised.
After coming to the realisation that the Richard Mille watch - worth approximately £250,000 - had been stolen, Leclerc reported the incident to local police.
They are now investigating the incident and looking to whether the robbery was pre-meditated or opportunistic.
Leclerc’s trainer Ferrari, who hails from Viareggio, took to Instagram on Tuesday to publicise his frustration with the incident. He complained about the lack of lighting in the area of the city where the robbery occurred, citing that it has been the subject of discussion by residents who want better lighting.
“Via Salvatori has been completely in the dark for months,” Ferrari wrote in his Instagram post. “We have been reporting this for months. Well, yesterday evening in Via Salvatori, they have robbed us. Think of arranging the lamps sooner or later? Asking for a friend.”
A Ferrari statement said: "We can confirm that in the evening of 18th April, in Viareggio (Italy), Charles Leclerc had his watch stolen. Since investigations are ongoing, no further details can be shared, at the moment."
