Formula 1 experienced unusual moments off the track during the Australian GP, the stage that opened the season at the Albert Park circuit. Two cases of alleged theft recorded at the event are being investigated by local authorities, involving distinct occurrences inside and outside the paddock.
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The information was released by the Speedcafe website, which reported the actions of the Australian police after incidents recorded during the race weekend. A man was detained during the event, while a woman is also being investigated in a separate case that occurred in the fan zone.
The first episode allegedly occurred on Sunday, inside the Albert Park paddock, an area normally restricted to team members, organizers, and credentialed guests. According to the report, a 40-year-old man was detained by police and escorted out of the event following suspicions of involvement in thefts.
According to a Formula 1 team member cited by Speedcafe, the suspect was allegedly caught stealing items belonging to different teams present in the paddock. The action drew attention due to the nature of the area, considered one of the most controlled zones during a race weekend.
In an official statement, authorities confirmed that the man is being accused of the alleged theft of several credentials used at the event. The stolen material was valued at approximately 30,000 dollars, an amount equivalent to about R$ 162,000.
Also according to the police, the incident allegedly occurred during the morning of race Sunday. After the detention, the suspect was released on bail and is scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 21.
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In addition to this case, another incident is being investigated by Australian authorities. This time, the episode allegedly occurred in the event’s fan zone, an area intended for fans following the Formula 1 weekend outside the main grandstands.
The case involves the alleged theft of a personalized piece of art signed by two McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The piece was part of material on display to the public during the event held at Albert Park.
According to the information released, a woman is considered a suspect in the case. However, so far authorities have not released the identity of the person under investigation.
Victoria Police confirmed the investigation through a social media post. In the statement released on Facebook, officers made public the image of the woman being sought in connection with the disappearance of the artwork.
The episodes reinforce that, even in a large-scale event with a strong security scheme like the Formula 1 Australian GP, off-track incidents can also occur and end up drawing attention during the race weekend.
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