Formula One Heist: Stolen Ferrari Recovered After Decades in International Operation

British police have recovered a Ferrari stolen from Austrian Formula One driver Gerhard Berger almost three decades ago. The red Ferrari F512M was one of two sports cars taken while their drivers were in Imola for the San Marino Grand Prix in 1995.

The car, valued at close to $444,000, had been brought to Britain from Japan in late 2023 and was in the process of being sold to a U.S. buyer when it was flagged as stolen.

“Our inquiries were painstaking and included contacting authorities from around the world,” said Constable Mike Pilbeam, who led the investigation. “We worked quickly with partners including the National Crime Agency, as well as Ferrari and international car dealerships, and this collaboration was instrumental in understanding the vehicle’s background and stopping it from leaving the country.”


The investigation was initiated when Ferrari tipped off the police about the stolen vehicle. Although the car has been recovered, no one has been arrested yet, and the second stolen Ferrari is still missing. The Ferrari F512M model, of which 501 were manufactured between 1994 and 1996, has a top speed of 196 miles per hour.

The recovery of the stolen Ferrari highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, and international partners in combating vehicle crimes. The authorities are determined to put an end to such criminal activities and ensure that stolen vehicles do not get sold or leave the country undetected.

Posted in Crime & Law Business & Politics Other by Quynh Nguyen