Charles Leclerc wasn't only one that Carlos Sainz had to fend off on Sunday, for the Spaniard was mugged later in the evening in Milan.

The Spaniard was seemingly robbed outside his Milan hotel hours after standing on the Monza podium with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after holding off teammate Charles Leclerc in a thrilling battle which kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Sainz gave chase in his Ferrari (natch!) and eventually all three robbers were apprehended. Sainz and his trainer caught one of the thieves, while a second was stopped by the Spaniard's manager, and the third also being held at some point.

The thieves were after Sainz' Richard Mille watch, an Alexander Zverev model endorsed by the German tennis player and said to be worth 275,000 euros.

"As many of you already know, yesterday we experienced an unfortunate incident in Milano," the Ferrari driver said on social media this morning.

"The most important thing is that we are all OK and this will only remain as an unpleasant anecdote.

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

The incident is the latest in a line of robberies involving F1 drivers and their Richard Mille watches, with Charles Leclerc robbed ahead of last year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and Lando Norris targeted at Wembley in 2021 as he left the Euro 2020 final.

Bravo Carlos!

Check out our Sunday gallery from Monza here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Wokingchap, 05/09/2023 15:59

"Certainly makes them a target and the sponsors know that.....all for publicity."

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2. Posted by Apexing, 05/09/2023 14:42

"I haven't worn a watch since cell phones were invented...although I do check my fitbit occasionally to see what time it is. But I get it, it's not so much for the usefulness of the thing, it's a fashion accessory. And since I'm an engineer, the chances of me wearing any fashion accessories are slim to none! At least that's what I read in the Engineer's Guide to Fashion, one of the world's shortest books..."

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3. Posted by Editor, 05/09/2023 9:19

"@ Vladimir

Seeing my small, old Casio upon my wrist, ne'er do wells usually cross the street in embarrassment."

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4. Posted by Max Noble, 05/09/2023 9:17

"Given what these watches cost you’d think that they would supply a person guard for you to use each time you went outside your castle to come within 100 yards of the great unwashed… but then they broke into Mark Cavendish’s home too swipe his watches! Good job I use the rule of thumb to never spend more than the cost of an entry level Aston V8 on a wrist watch…! ;-) (Hot Wheels or Corgi I’m afraid…)
"

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5. Posted by Vladimir, 04/09/2023 22:22

"I have a Timex Expedition watch. Cost $42.00 (U.S.), and keeps excellent time. Perhaps Carlos and some of the other drivers should consider this brand. Chances are nobody will bother them for their watches!"

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6. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 04/09/2023 16:51

"Save the watch wearing for Singapore, Qatar, or UAE. Unlikely to robbed in those locales."

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7. Posted by kenji, 04/09/2023 11:57

"Conspicuous affluence on open display will always attract the attention of those who would do you harm. "

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Sainz the victim of robbers in Milan

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