Shocking moment F1 world champion Button was targeted by a thief in London

20:11, 30 Apr

Updated: 22:16, 30 May

byToby Nixon

Jenson Button and his wife Brittny were targeted by thieves earlier this year in London. The couple's suitcase, holding over £250,000 worth of luxury items, was stolen in the English capital.

According to 34-year-old Brittny, the pair were returning to the UK after a short trip to Paris. Whilst the 2009 F1 world champion was loading the car with a chauffer, a man swiftly stole their sutcase which contained a number of designer items.

Jenson drove in 306 Grands Prix during his Formula 1 career. The former Brawn world champion won 15 races and scored 50 podiums before retiring in 2016 after an illustrious career. The Brit came back for one round in 2017, replacing Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Button now works as Williams' senior advisor after spending a portion his racing career with the Grove-based team. Now, he races for Cadillac's Hertz JOTA in the World Endurance Championship.

He most recently finished in 16th place alongside former F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais and Earl Bamber at the Six Hours of Imola event.

Thief 'swooped' in to take the bag worth £250k

Speaking to MailOnline about the incident, Button's wife said: "He had his back on mine, and a guy just came and swooped it. We didn't even see him do it. So they were probably watching us.

"We had no idea until Jenson went, 'Wait where is your bag' and he raced off trying to find it, but [the thief] was already gone."

Button works as an occasional pundit for Sky Sports and races in the WEC

Although their items will not likely be returned to the Buttons, the assailant, Mourad Aid, will be brought to Justice. After being caught by plain-clothed police officers, he pleaded guilty five days after the incident in February and has been remanded in custody.

Button will be attending the Miami Grand Prix, making special appearances at F1's exclusive paddock club.