Whitlock’s lawyer, Nicholas Saady, said his client was a guest of the Richard Mille brand at the event and was seated in the Paddock Club area designated for VIPs. The watch, which cost about $440,000 at retail, was stolen as Whitlock exited the venue on the afternoon of October 19, 2025.
According to the petition filed in the Texas court, “as Plaintiff was pushed through the crowd, he heard a man yelling but could not make out what he said. Suddenly, a group of people in Red Bull Racing shirts and Ferrari hats pushed Plaintiff. A woman then fell directly in front of Plaintiff, and Plaintiff attempted to assist her to her feet, concerned that she could be injured in the chaotic crush of people. However, when Plaintiff attempted to assist the woman, she forcibly grabbed his arm, and other members of the group ripped the watch from his wrist and disappeared into the crowd.”
The suit alleges that, the day before, on October 18, 2025, another race attendee had their Richard Mille watch stolen by a gang using the same methods. This victim reported the incident to COTA security and made a police report about the attack, “putting COTA and F1 on clear notice of this attack,” the suit claims.
