Formula One icon Alain Prost, a four-time world champion, has reportedly suffered injuries in an alleged armed robbery at his residence in Switzerland. The racing legend, known for his successful stints with Williams, McLaren, and Ferrari, was reportedly physically assaulted during the incident, resulting in a head injury.
Prost, aged 71, is a renowned figure in the racing world, having excelled in the sport from 1980 to 1993. With records for the most podium finishes (106), wins (51), and fastest laps (41), he notably engaged in a memorable rivalry with the late Ayrton Senna during his Formula One career.
Sharing the fourth-most Drivers’ Championships title with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, Prost trails behind Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio. However, recent events have cast a shadow on the French racing legend.
As per Swiss newspaper Blick, a group of masked individuals allegedly broke into Prost’s family residence in Nyon around 8:30 am on May 19. The intruders, reportedly armed, threatened the family members and coerced one individual to open a safe within the property situated near Lake Geneva.
Reports suggest that one of Prost’s sons was compelled to open the safe, which was subsequently emptied of its contents. Although the exact items stolen remain undisclosed, it is noted that Prost has strong ties to luxury watch brands.
While the perpetrators are at large, neither Prost’s family nor the involved brands have issued any statements regarding the incident. This incident has raised concerns about the safety in the Lake Geneva area, following a reported surge in robberies in recent years.
Authorities suspect that organized criminal groups from across borders are targeting affluent residents, particularly those owning luxury items like watches, posing a growing threat in this exclusive Swiss residential locale.
Despite retiring from racing over 30 years ago, Prost, who celebrated his 71st birthday in February, continues to support and mentor emerging talents in the motorsport industry. Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar, dubbed “Petit Prost” by Helmut Marko, received praise from Prost for his individuality and talent, showcasing a promising future in the sport.