Ferrari Formula One driver Charles Leclerc said he is in full focus ahead of his Italian team’s return to the Imola circuit at the start of next week, despite the theft of a precious watch.
The 24-year-old Monaco driver, who won two of the first three races this season, had his prized Richard Mille watch stolen from his wrist in the Italian seaside resort of Viareggio on Monday night.
“I won’t go into too much detail,” Leclerc told reporters at Imola on Thursday. “It was not a great experience. I can’t say more than that.
“The police are investigating and trying to catch the thieves.” The theft was not done easily, the newspapers say, but I am fine and fully focused before the race weekend. The accident won’t affect my concentration.”
Eduardo Setola, the Viareggio police official who is investigating the theft, told Archyde.com there were no suspects at the moment.
“We are examining surveillance cameras to review the circumstances of the theft and find important evidence for the investigation,” he added.
According to sites specializing in luxury watches, a watch of the same model was sold last year for 2.1 million Swiss francs ($2.20 million).
Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille is among Ferrari’s sponsors, and Leclerc wore his initials watch on the podium.
A source close to the investigation said that Leclerc was in Viareggio with coach Andrea Ferrari, who comes from the city, and he was driving a black Ferrari 488.
The theft occurred when two people in motorcycle helmets approached the F1 driver and asked for a selfie following he drove the coach to his home.
The source said that Leclerc tried to chase the motorcycle but might not catch it.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, whose Richard Mille watch was stolen 40,000 pounds ($52,140) at Wembley last year during the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, sympathized with Leclerc by text message.
“I texted him as soon as I heard the news,” he told Archyde.com. “When I participate in events now I try to be very careful and organized,” added the Briton, who has not yet recovered his watch.
“Sometimes in the midst of events, you forget some things regarding your safety and security.”
