After the completion of the Hungarian Grand Prix on 26 July, the Formula One season is undergoing a summer break in between the hectic F1 schedule. Primarily, F1 drivers prefer to stay home or go on a vacation with their family to spend some quality time before the next race, which starts on 21 August with the Belgian Grand Prix.
But, things did not go according to plan for McLaren's Jenson Button and his wife Jessica Michibata. While on a holiday in the French Riviera, they were burgled of valuables worth around £300,000, which included Jessica's precious engagement ring.
The couple, along with their friends, were in a rented villa in Saint-Tropez when the theft occurred.
Button's spokesman confirmed the engagement ring had been stolen, when the couple were sleeping.
"Two men broke into the property whilst they all slept and stole a number of items of jewellery including, most upsettingly, Jessica's engagement ring," said the spokesman.
"The police have indicated that this has become a growing problem in the region with perpetrators going so far as to gas their proposed victims through the air conditioning units before breaking in.
"Whilst unharmed, everyone involved is unsurprisingly shaken by the events."
As per reports, the burglars gassed the people in the house before robing them of their valuables. The burglars seem to be very professional in their approach as they used piped anaesthetic gas though the air conditioning. Button also believes that the same might have occurred.
The group only came to know about the theft the next morning.
"Police have told Jenson they're convinced the burglars gassed the house using the air conditioning units," a source told the Sun.
"Jenson is convinced that's what happened too. The burglars were in the same room as him and Jessica, rifling through all their drawers.
"But they weren't disturbed at all because the effects of the gas gives the burglars free reign."
With the theft having being discovered the next morning, CCTV footage of the area are being reviewed so as to help the police nab the culprits, who have been successful in stealing a fortune.
