Bottas's Cadillac Escalade Stolen During Miami GP Weekend; FBI Investigates

Valtteri Bottas revealed that his Cadillac Escalade, provided by his Cadillac Formula 1 team, was stolen from his Airbnb driveway during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. The Finnish driver recounted the incident on the What's Next podcast, noting that the FBI became involved after the thief gained access to his paddock pass and VIP parking pass.

Why it matters:

The theft highlights the security risks that F1 drivers face even in seemingly safe accommodations. Bottas chose to stay in Fort Lauderdale to avoid Miami's hustle, but the incident disrupted his race weekend preparations.

The details:

• Bottas stayed in Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami or South Beach, preferring the quieter atmosphere.
• On Saturday morning, he discovered the locked SUV missing from the driveway. The keys were still inside his Airbnb.
• Lost access: His paddock pass was inside the stolen vehicle, forcing him to scramble for alternative entry to the Hard Rock Stadium.
• FBI involvement: Because the thief also had Bottas's VIP parking pass – which could grant access to the F1 paddock – the FBI launched a full investigation.
• Car found dumped: The Escalade was discovered the next day in a "dodgy area," likely used as a getaway car for other crimes.

Between the lines:

Bottas suspects the thief had no interest in Formula 1, despite having the means to drive right into the paddock. He noted the irony that the criminal had "all the opportunities" but instead dumped the car after committing other crimes.

What's next:

Bottas received a replacement Escalade and made it to the track. The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to secure personal items and passes separately from vehicles. No arrests have been reported, but the investigation continues.