Valtteri Bottas’ Stolen Cadillac Escalade
Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas disclosed that a Cadillac Escalade he was using on loan was stolen from his Fort Lauderdale residence during the Miami Grand Prix weekend earlier this month.
During a recent episode of his podcast ‘What’s Next?’ alongside photographer Paul Ripke, Bottas shared that the theft occurred shortly before the Miami sprint race, which was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris. Bottas, who has 10 Grand Prix victories to his name, finished last in the race.
The incident forced the 36-year-old Bottas to find alternative transportation for the 20-mile commute to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, where the race was held. Additionally, his paddock pass was stolen, illustrating the extensive logistical and security measures involved in organizing Formula 1 events.
“It was quite chaotic,” Bottas commented. “I was staying in a nice neighborhood with low crime rates. I returned on Friday, parked the car, had dinner, and went to bed early, with the car keys inside the house and the car locked.”
He recounted waking up Saturday morning and receiving a call from Paul Harris, who helps Bottas during F1 weekends, alerting him about the missing car, which was still locked with keys inside. “I knew I would be late to the track because we had to arrange another ride. Fortunately, they sent another Escalade, but then I realized my paddock pass was in the stolen vehicle,” he explained.
Upon discovering the theft and the loss of Bottas’s paddock pass, which is essential for accessing restricted areas at F1 events, the security system from Formula One Management immediately took action. This system, utilized at all F1 races, closely monitors access to venues and the identity of pass holders to enhance security measures.
Local law enforcement was already on the scene when the incident was reported. A Formula 1 official confirmed that F1 security responded promptly, deactivating the stolen pass. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department later stated that they are investigating the auto theft but emphasized that the FBI is not involved. Bottas noted that the vehicle was eventually found abandoned, suggesting it may have been used for a crime before being discarded. He expressed disappointment over the loss but admitted it was an unusual experience for him.
