Former Red Bull driver ‘violently attacked’ and robbed of his watch in Amsterdam
Race winner Max Verstappen interviewed by Robert Doornbos in parc ferme after the Zandvoort race. Netherlands 2021
Robert Doornbos has revealed he was the victim of an “intense” robbery in March, the former Minardi and Red Bull F1 driver clubbed with a bat.
Doornbos, who competed in 11 Formula 1 races with Minardi and Red Bull, was robbed of his Rolex watch in the early hours of the morning in Soetendaal, Amsterdam.
The Dutchman was reportedly hit over the head with a bat before the two assailants stole his watch.
“The victim got out of his car at Soetendaal around 00:15 after parking, when almost immediately an unknown man approached him with an accelerated pace,” read a statement from the police.
“He has a bat in his hand. The victim was hit in the head with the bat.
“A second unknown man joins the man with the bat. Together they violently attack the victim.
“While the victim defends himself and calls for help, he is robbed of a precious watch and his phone.
“As soon as the loot is in, the duo runs away from the Soetendaal, turn right in the direction of Vijverhoef.”
As for Doornbos, he revealed the attack has put him off wearing expensive items.
TalkSport quotes him as having told RTL Boulevard: “It was intense. I no longer wear expensive watches, only an Apple Watch, so at least I can count my steps.”
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News of Doornbos’ incident comes days after the Italian police announced they’d arrested four people in connection with Charles Leclerc’s €2 million Richard Mille RM67 ‘Leclerc’ bespoke watch.
The Ferrari driver had obliged fans with a selfie when, after they left, he noticed his watch was missing.
Leclerc initially went after them in pursuit only to lose the scent when they left town, said to be heading towards Naples.
Italian police have since arrested four people wanted in connection with the theft.
Back in 2021 Lando Norris was also the victim of a robbery, the McLaren driver robbed of his £144,000 Richard Mille designer watch when returning to his car after the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium in July 2021.
The suspect arrested by the police was found not guilty last month.