Four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost was reportedly injured during a violent robbery at his family home in Switzerland earlier this week, according to local media reports.
Swiss outlet Blick claimed that a group of armed and masked intruders broke into Prost’s villa in Nyon on Tuesday morning at around 8:30am. The 71-year-old racing legend was allegedly attacked during the incident and suffered a head injury as the robbers forced their way through the property.
The report stated that the suspects threatened members of Prost’s family while searching the house. During the ordeal, Prost’s son was reportedly forced to open the family safe as the intruders demanded access to valuables inside the residence.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact items stolen during the robbery, and the suspects remain on the run as investigations continue.
In an official statement released following the incident, the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that a major police operation was launched immediately after the alarm was raised.
“The Vaud Cantonal Police immediately deployed a major search operation and notified the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which opened a criminal investigation,” the statement read. “Investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the perpetrators.”
Officials also revealed the scale of the response, with multiple security units taking part in the operation. Patrol officers from the Vaud gendarmerie were joined by the canine brigade, regional police teams from Nyon, forensic investigators, customs officers and even the French Gendarmerie as part of the cross-border effort to locate the attackers.
Psychological support services were also reportedly provided to the Prost family following the traumatic incident.
Prost, widely regarded as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers, has largely stayed away from the public spotlight in recent years after ending his involvement with the sport. Nicknamed “The Professor” during his racing career, the Frenchman won four world titles and claimed 51 Grand Prix victories between 1981 and 1993.
According to the report, Prost has since left Switzerland and travelled to Dubai, where he also owns a residence.
The shocking incident has sent concern through the motorsport community, with many fans reacting online after details of the alleged attack emerged. No further updates have yet been released by Swiss authorities regarding arrests or the condition of those involved.