F1: Mercedes crew robbed at gunpoint in Brazil

Some members of the Mercedes and Williams team were reportedly robbed at gun point ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton

In a shocking incident some Mercedes' team personnel were robbed at gunpoint after Friday's practice session.

World Championship winner Lewis Hamilton who tweeted on the incident, said it was upsetting to hear about the incident. "Some of my team were held up at gun point last night leaving the circuit here in Brazil. Gun shots fired, gun held at ones head. This is so upsetting to hear. Please say a prayer for my guys who are here as professionals today even if shaken," he tweeted.

Some of my team were held up at gun point last night leaving the circuit here in Brazil. Gun shots fired, gun held at ones head. This is so upsetting to hear. Please say a prayer for my guys who are here as professionals today even if shaken.

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 11, 2017

According to a journalist, who also tweeted on the incident, said some of the Mercedes personnel were ambushed by gunmen last night as they left the track after practice. He tweeted: “Some Mercedes personnel were robbed at gun point leaving the track last night. No-one harmed. Close escapes for FIA and Williams people, too.”

Hamilton went on to say that this incident wasn't new and demanded extra security in place.

This happens every single year here. F1 and the teams need to do more, there's no excuse!

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 11, 2017

 

Fans on social networking sites have called for extra security measures — with some suggesting a Grand Prix in Brazil should even be scrapped.

This is not the first time Mercedes have been caught up in a robbery while on the F1 tour.

Last year a member of the team was robbed at gunpoint by two men ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.