Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has said efforts to recover the watch robbed from his wrist on Monday haven’t been as “smooth” as he’d hope. Initial reports from Italy suggested this season’s standing leader was hopeful of catching the culprits through CCTV footage, but he’s hinted his prospects aren’t all that positive.
The special edition Richard Mille watch—said to be worth £245,000—was pilfered while Leclerc was visiting the Tuscan seaside town of Viareggio. A large crowd of fans soon gathered seeking selfies and autographs, and it was only after the mob dispersed that Leclerc noticed what had happened.
The timing couldn’t be worse, with the 24-year-old immersed in his best F1 season to date, 34 points ahead of his nearest rival after two wins from three outings. Leclerc provided an update on the matter and assured reporters the robbery won’t impede his performance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix come Sunday.
“I won’t go too much into details, it hasn’t been a great experience,” he said. “I cannot say much more than that. 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.”
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