Valtteri Bottas has his Cadillac Escalade stolen from an Airbnb driveway in Fort Lauderdale overnight before Saturday in Miami, prompting police and FBI involvement after access credentials are found inside.

He discovers the theft early Saturday, ahead of the sprint and grand prix qualifying at the Miami International Autodrome, risking delays to his programme and team logistics.

Keys remain inside the house, yet the car disappears without trace. Bottas recounts the episode on the What’s Next? podcast, asking, “How has our car been stolen from the driveway?”

With transport gone, the team sources alternatives. Cadillac supplies another Escalade, allowing Bottas to reach the circuit, though his paddock pass remains in the stolen vehicle.

Authorities escalate quickly because the car holds a VIP parking permit and a valid paddock pass, credentials that could open restricted paddock, garage, and hospitality areas.

Bottas even jokes the thief could impersonate him for a day. Event security treats any compromised credential as high risk, requiring checks and close liaison with race control.

The Escalade is found the next day, abandoned in a high‑crime area. Investigators indicate the vehicle likely serves another crime, effectively operating as a temporary getaway car.

Bottas notes the thieves disable the tracking system rapidly, underscoring technical capability rather than interest in F1 property. There is no evidence of targeted activity around team assets.

To stabilise operations, the team hires a security guard to monitor the Airbnb for the rest of the weekend, complete with protective gear and a visible deterrent presence.

The episode underlines off‑track exposure F1 personnel face at busy events. Thanks to rapid support and coordination, Bottas’s on‑track programme continues without competitive consequences.

Visual Summary

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.