Picture Credit: Formula 1
Ferrari's Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc had an unlikely Easter as he became a victim of a robbery after returning to Italy ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. The Monagesque driver had his watch reportedly stolen by a fan in Italy, while Leclerc was out with a group of friends.
As per reports, Leclerc and his friends were walking in the poorly lit Via Salvatori area when fans around 10 PM recognised Leclerc. The F1 driver eventually was mobbed while signing autographs for fans, and a thief managed to grab his AU$436,000 Richard Mille watch. The authorities have begun their investigations and are trying to ascertain whether the robbery was opportunistic or premeditated.
Leclerc has reportedly claimed the incident was not a great experience, but he has his focus back on the weekend race. "I won't go too much into details; it hasn't been a great experience. I cannot say much more than that. 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", Leclerc was quoted as saying.
Speaking of Emilia Romagna GP, Charles Leclerc led a Ferrari one-two ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen in a wet first practice. The Ferrari driver was 0.877 seconds quicker than Carlos Sainz, with Verstappen 1.465 secs behind the championship leader. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher were fourth and fifth ahead of the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez.