Sauber F1 Driver Bortoleto Robbed in Zurich Ahead Canada GP

Formula 1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto faced a significant disruption ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix when thieves broke into his car in Switzerland and stole his backpack containing his passport, computer, and other essentials. Although some stolen items were recovered and the culprit apprehended, Bortoleto had to use a second passport and replacement travel documents to make it to Montreal on time. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who joined Sauber for the 2025 season after winning last year's Formula 2 title, is still pursuing his first points in F1, with his best finish so far being 12th place in Spain. Despite Sauber's car being among the slowest on the grid, his teammate Nico Hulkenberg has managed to score points, including a fifth-place finish in Spain. This incident is not the first time an F1 driver has been targeted by thieves, recalling when Carlos Sainz recovered a stolen £500,000 watch after the Italian Grand Prix. Bortoleto expressed that the chaotic event was resolved, but acknowledged the additional pressures rookies face in Formula 1 beyond just racing performance.