Bottas reveals FBI investigation after his rental Cadillac was stolen in Miami

Valtteri Bottas has shared an unusual story from this year’s Miami Grand Prix, revealing that a rented Cadillac Escalade he was using during the weekend was stolen from the driveway of the Airbnb where he was staying in Fort Lauderdale.

Speaking on his podcast, Bottas explained that he prefers staying in Fort Lauderdale rather than Miami because it is quieter and usually offers an easier journey to the circuit.

The theft happened overnight between Friday and Saturday of the race weekend. Bottas said he was getting ready to leave for the track when a friend staying in the same house called to ask where he had gone.

"Well, the car is gone!" 

The Finnish driver initially thought there had been some misunderstanding, but when he went outside, the SUV had disappeared, even though the keys were still inside the house.

"The Escalade has vanished. Keys are still inside on the table. I can see them like, 'What? What? How?...'" Bottas continued.

The situation caused immediate complications, as Bottas was left without transport to the circuit and also realised that his paddock pass was still inside the stolen vehicle. Fortunately, another Cadillac was quickly arranged to take him to the track.

Because the rental car contained Bottas’s official paddock credentials and VIP parking pass, the case attracted additional attention and the FBI became involved.

The vehicle was found the following day in what Bottas described as a high-crime area. According to Bottas, the thief appeared to have no interest in Formula 1, despite having access to his paddock pass and premium parking.

Bottas, who returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac Formula 1 Team after spending the 2025 season on the sidelines, finished 18th in the Miami Grand Prix.