Alpine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto was the victim of a robbery near Lake Como, Italy, on August 9, 2026, during the sport’s summer shutdown. The incident occurred while Colapinto was on holiday, resulting in the theft of personal belongings.
Colapinto confirmed the robbery via social media, sharing images of some of the stolen items. He stated, ‘Last photos with this stuff. I was at the lake and my suitcases, clothes and mate kit disappeared. I hope whoever took it all enjoys it.’
A subsequent post, which was later deleted, included the comment, ‘Who would have thought that Italians would steal everything from a Latino? I’m sure they won’t like the mate.’ Local Italian authorities, the Carabinieri, have initiated an investigation into the incident near Bellagio.
This event marks another instance of an F1 driver being targeted by thieves. In 2023, Lando Norris had a £144,000 Richard Mille watch stolen after attending the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium. Two individuals were later arrested and charged in connection with that crime.
Charles Leclerc experienced a similar theft in Viareggio, Italy, in 2022, when his £265,000 Richard Mille watch was taken by individuals posing as fans seeking autographs. The watch was subsequently recovered, and several arrests were made in 2023.
Carlos Sainz also faced a robbery in Milan, Italy, in 2023, following the Italian Grand Prix. His £425,000 Richard Mille timepiece was stolen, but Sainz and his trainer pursued the thieves on foot, successfully recovering the watch. Three individuals were arrested in that case.
Colapinto is currently in his second full season with Alpine, having established himself as a regular points scorer during the 2026 Formula 1 campaign. He has accumulated 38 points this season, with his best finish being a sixth place at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Earlier this season, Colapinto received the ‘Overtake of the Month’ award for a double-pass executed on teammate Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson at Spa-Francorchamps before the summer break. His contract with Alpine extends until the conclusion of the 2027 season.
