Sainz robbed in Milan hours after Italian GP podium!

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As if his Italian Grand Prix podium hadn't delivered enough emotion for the day, Carlos Sainz endured another adrenalin spiking moment when he was robbed on Sunday evening in front of his hotel in Milan.

Just hours after basking in the glory of his performance at Monza, Sainz found himself in a high-speed chase through the city's streets, all for the love of his precious Richard Mille watch!

Three individuals were reportedly waiting outside Milan's Armani Hotel on Viale Manzoni when Sainz appeared, and they approached the Ferrari driver.

Commotion ensued and the trio was able to run off with Sainz's Richard Mille time piece, a red 'Alexander Zverev' model endorsed by the German tennis player and worth an estimated 275,000 euros!

Channeling his inner action hero, Sainz and his personal trainer set off in pursuit of the looters in the Spaniard's Ferrari and then on foot, eventually catching one of the hoodlums.

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The second robber was then stopped on Via della Spiga by Sainz’s manager, while the third surrendered shortly after.

All were taken into custody by Milan's police who had quickly arrived on the scene, and Sainz's precious watch was also retrieved.

On Monday, Sainz issues a statement on social media regarding the episode.

"As many of you already know, yesterday we experienced an unfortunate incident in Milan. The most important thing is that we are all OK and this will only remain as an unpleasant anecdote," he wrote.

"Many thanks to all the people who helped us yesterday, to the Milan police for their quick intervention and thanks for all your messages."

Richard Mille watches have become the ultimate status symbols in the world of luxury timepieces, coveted by horology enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

The brand's commercial presence in Formula 1 sees its product adorn the wrists of Ferrari's and McLaren's drivers.

But the luxury product's high exclusivity and value have made Richard Mille watches the target of envy.

Last year, ahead of the Emilia Romagna GP, Charles Leclerc was also the victim of a theft when he stopped to chat with fans in Viareggio and individuals in the group made off with his RM watch.

And in 2021, Lando Norris saw his prototype Richard Mille watch pulled off his wrist as he was walking back to his car after exiting Wembley Stadium after the final of the Euro 2020.

When even racing stars can't outrun the allure of a Richard Mille, it's clear that these timepieces are in a league of their own.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.