Franco Colapinto after holiday burglary: social media post causes a stir

Formula 1 drivers are time and again the victims of brazen thieves: in recent years, for example, McLaren world champion Lando Norris, Williams driver Carlos Sainz, and Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, each of whom had a valuable wristwatch stolen; Sainz successfully chased down the thieves and managed to recover his watch, which was worth more than 600,000 US dollars.

Brazilian Audi works driver Gabriel Bortoleto has also been targeted; last year in Switzerland, his car was broken into so that his rucksack could be stolen. The same fate has now befallen Alpine driver Franco Colapinto whilst he was enjoying his well-deserved holiday on Lake Como in northern Italy. The young Argentine vented his frustration about the theft on social media – and in doing so sparked a number of critical reactions.

In the post, which has since been deleted, he had stated: “Who would have thought that Italians would steal everything from a Latino? They didn’t even leave my mate set behind, and I’m sure they won’t like that.” The fact that Colapinto referred to the thieves as Italians did not go down well with some fans.

The post consequently sparked numerous critical reactions from fans. Colapinto then replaced ‘Italians’ with ‘Europeans’, and he responded to some of the comments with humour before the post was deleted entirely.

But the 23-year-old from Pilar in Buenos Aires didn’t leave it at that: shortly afterwards, the GP star referred to the theft once again in another social media post. He shared a few photos that had clearly been taken before the theft, writing: “The last photos of the clothes, the mate, etc., etc. I hope those who snatched them are enjoying them!”

Topic of the week

The 2027 Formula 1 grid: Will the transfer bombshell only drop in the autumn?

Summertime, holiday season, the silly season: these are the weeks when the most outrageous driver changes are usually discussed. The big news for the 2027 season is yet to materialise.

Mathias Brunner

Read more

TV program

Live

Zandvoort: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

21.08.2026 - 12:15