Czech man arrested for driving F1 car on public road

A long-running Czech mystery came to an end this week when police finally apprehended a man who had been spotted multiple times driving a Formula 1-style car on public roads.

The 51-year-old, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested this past Sunday near the village of Buk, about 60km south-west of Prague. Emergency calls were made early that morning after a red single-seater racing car was seen at a petrol station and later speeding along the D4 motorway.

Police patrols and a helicopter tracked the car before cornering the driver, who was still dressed in full racing gear and helmet. Although many believed he was behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 machine, police confirmed it was in fact a Dallara GP2/08 — a feeder-series race car that is not street legal.

The vehicle carried a Ferrari-style livery, fuelling years of speculation and social media fame for the so-called “Phantom Ferrari driver”.

This was not his first appearance. Authorities had been investigating reports of the same car since 2019, with further sightings in 2022 and as recently as August 2025.

On each occasion the driver wore a helmet, avoiding identification and slipping away before police could act.

Following his arrest, the man refused to comment and declined immediate alcohol and drug tests, though later screenings proved negative.

The case has now been handed to administrative authorities. He faces a fine of between Kr5 000 and Kr10 000 (between approximately R4 000 and R8 500) and could lose his driving licence for six to 12 months.

The arrest ends a six-year cat-and-mouse game with Czech police, though videos of the red single-seater racing along public roads are likely to keep the legend of the “Phantom Ferrari driver” alive online.

Meanwhile, in Formula One, Max Verstappen underlined his credentials at Monza with a masterclass victory, proving titles are about seizing opportunities as well as speed. His win, in a season largely dominated by McLaren, also set a new record for the fastest race in F1 history.

Ferrari showed signs of improvement at their home race, with Charles Leclerc finishing fourth and teammate Lewis Hamilton — a seven-time world champion — taking sixth.

Nonetheless, it remains an underwhelming season for the Scuderia, who have failed to challenge McLaren or Red Bull consistently for podium places. Currently, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri of Australia leads the world drivers’ championship ahead of teammate Lando Norris of Great Britain.

McLaren are in full control of the constructors' championship.