Charles Leclerc has revealed that finding thieves who stole a custom-made special edition watch from him wasnβt going as easy as he had hoped. The Monegasque driver, however, assured that his performance this weekend in Imola wonβt be affected by the incident.
Speaking to the Motorsport Network, he said:
βI wonβt go too much into details, it hasnβt been a great experience. I cannot say much more than that. But obviously everything is going on with the police, and they are trying to find them. It hasnβt been as smooth as what Iβve read. But yeah, overall, I am fine and fully focused on the weekend. It wonβt hurt me for this weekend.β
Leclerc was robbed on Easter Monday earlier this week when he was posing for photographs with a few fans in the city of Viareggio. The Ferrari driver reportedly chased after the perpetrators after noticing the crime, but to no avail.
The stolen watch piece is potentially priceless given that it was one of only two ever made. Built by luxury watchmaker and Ferrari sponsor Richard Mille exclusively for Leclerc, the custom-designed piece is valued at nearly $320,000.
Charles Leclerc βexcitedβ to defend title lead at Ferrariβs home race
While Charles Leclerc admitted that it was unfortunate to lose such a valuable item, he says he is fully focussed on defending his title lead heading into Ferrariβs first home Grand Prix of the season. Speaking to the Motorsport Network, he said:
βObviously to be at home for Ferrari, I know that in past years we had so much support here, and now to be here in that position, Iβm sure itβs going to be special. Iβm very excited. But the most important thing for us this weekend is to not overdo things, which is easy whenever there is excitement, and whenever things are going well. We need to stay focused on our job, not try to do too much, and hopefully it will be a positive weekend.β
Leclerc currently holds an impressive 34-point lead over Mercedesβ George Russell in the driverβs standings. Meanwhile, his key rival Max Verstappen is currently languishing in P6, owing to a string of DNFs.