Formula 1 drivers are no strangers to high-speed drama on the track. However, their off-track escapades can be equally riveting. From Valtteri Bottas being pulled over by the police to Charles Leclerc chasing down watch thieves, these incidents showcase the unexpected adventures of racing’s elite.
Valtteri Bottas: A Routine Drive Turns Eventful
Law enforcement pulled over Valtteri Bottas during his off-season with girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell, sparking humorous fan reactions. Some joked that the Finnish F1 star was “driving faster than he ever did for Sauber” in 2024. Bottas, known for his laid-back personality, embraced the unexpected encounter with his signature coolness, turning the routine stop into a memorable and amusing tale.
Charles Leclerc: High-Speed Heroics
In April 2022, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc experienced a daring theft in Viareggio, Italy. Thieves made off with his custom Richard Mille watch, valued at approximately $320,000. Demonstrating his racing instincts, Leclerc pursued the culprits in his Ferrari 488 Pista. The chase, which spanned from Forte dei Marmi to Viareggio, was captured on surveillance footage. In April 2023, Italian authorities arrested four suspects in connection with the theft.
Carlos Sainz: Foot Chase in Milan
Similarly, Carlos Sainz faced a brazen robbery in Milan. Thieves snatched his luxury watch, prompting the Ferrari driver to spring into action. Sainz chased down the perpetrators on foot, showcasing agility reminiscent of his on-track performances. With assistance from bystanders, he successfully apprehended the thieves and recovered his stolen timepiece.
Lewis Hamilton: A Victim of Unrest
Even seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton hasn’t been immune to off-track incidents. In 2010, during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton was pulled over by Melbourne police for reckless driving in a road car. “Over-exuberant” driving caused authorities to impound his car. Hamilton later apologised for the mishap, acknowledging his lapse in judgment.
Max Verstappen: A Close Call
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen encountered a different kind of off-track drama. Thieves stole Verstappen’s luxury watch during a tennis match in Monaco. The Dutch driver reported it to local authorities, but they never recovered the watch. The incident served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even top athletes face.
Tale of Speed and Humor
These episodes show that real-world challenges still affect Formula 1 drivers, despite their exceptional skills and fame. Their reactions—be it Bottas’s composed demeanor during a police stop or Leclerc’s and Sainz’s swift actions against thieves—underscore their adaptability and resilience. These stories add a human dimension to these racing icons, reminding fans that life off the track can be just as unpredictable and thrilling.
