--- title: "Ferrari F1 Driver Carlos Sainz Chases Down Thieves to Get $324K Watch Back" date: "2023-09-04" modified: "2023-09-04" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ferrari-f1-driver-carlos-sainz-chases-down-thieves-to-get-324k-watch-back" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Ferrari F1 Driver Carlos Sainz Chases Down Thieves to Get $324K Watch Back ![]() *MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 3: Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari F1 team on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 3, 2023 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images) \Getty\* The [2023 Italian]() [Formula 1]() Grand Prix at Monza will live in Carlos Sainz's memory for more reasons than one. Not only did he beat championship leader Max Verstappen to pole position on Saturday, but he actually managed to hold the position for several laps and ultimately finish third on Sunday. Later that day, he chased *and* restrained men who stole his ultra-expensive [Richard Mille watch](). No joke. According to [various sources](), the Spaniard was walking out of the Armani Hotel in the city of Milan on Sunday evening, when three unknown men approached Sainz and a few colleagues. It's rumored that the thieves posed as fans wanting to get an autograph. It's unclear if the thieves obtained Sainz's watch forcefully or if he voluntarily surrendered for his own safety. ![]() **Getty** Once the three robbers made their getaway, Sainz and several others decided to chase them on foot in order to retrieve the watch. According to *[Motorsport.com]()*, Sainz was accompanied by his assistant, trainer, and other bystanders. Reports claim that not long after Sainz set off in pursuit, he caught up with one of the thieves and managed to restrain him until the police showed up. His assistant also reportedly caught up with another of the thieves, while his trainer detained the third one. It's unclear if the interactions between Sainz, his staff, and the thieves were violent, but it's known that all three suspects—aged between 18 and 20—were ultimately arrested. Sainz recovered his timepiece. https://twitter.com/Carlossainz55/status/1698646450043850969?s=20 Richard Mille produces extremely expensive watches, and in the case of Sainz's, the Alexander Zverev Edition piece is worth around $324,000, according to *[Reuters]()*. His teammate Charles Leclerc was the victim of a similar theft in 2022 while in Italy, when he was robbed of his own Richard Mille. McLaren driver Lando Norris also had his stolen while in London back in 2020. It's good news that Sainz was ultimately able to get his watch back and make those responsible face justice. On the other hand, I can't help but think that engaging three thieves (even with the help of others) is a mighty dangerous thing to do. You can always replace a watch, *y'know?* *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()