THE mysterious driver of a phantom F1 car has finally been caught and arrested – decked out in full racing gear and helmet.
The red racing car has been spotted roaring along Czech motorways a number of times since 2019.
Czech police have finally arrested the driver of a phantom F1 racing car, pictured here in 2022
The vehicle, seen here in 2019, has been spotted on the motorway multiple times
Despite its Ferrari colours and badge, the racecar is reportedly not a Ferrari
Footage surfaced on Sunday morning showing the car tearing along the D4 motorway before stopping for petrol near Dobříš.
Alarmed motorists alerted police who then tracked the vehicle to a property in the village of Buk – around 37 miles south-west of Prague.
A 51-year-old man, clad in a red racing driver’s outfit and helmet, was arrested at his home, according to cops.
Local media released footage showing him arguing with officers and refusing to come out of his car.
He is heard accusing police of trespassing on private property before finally giving up and being led to a station.
Czech police wrote on X: “The driver of the car, who was stopped by police, refused to comment on the situation during questioning.
“The police will proceed with administrative proceedings, in which he could face a fine of several thousand crowns and a driving ban.”
A man – identified as his son – told journalists that around two dozen police cars and a helicopter swarmed the house, calling it an extreme response “to a supposed traffic violation of ours”.
The vehicle has been described online as “a Ferrari Formula 1 car“.
However, a 2022 article on auto.cz says it is actually a Dallara GP2/08 – a racing car built by Italian manufacturer Dallara.
The car was intended for use in the GP2 Series, an open-wheel motor racing championship introduced in 2005 to replace the Formula One feeder series.
Racing cars are not road legal as they lack number plates, headlights, indicators and safety equipment.
For this reason, the owner of the car could be slapped with a fine and possibly even have his driving licence suspended.
The phantom F1 driver first made headlines in 2019, when images and videos of the car appeared online – prompting cops to track down and question the suspected driver.
But the man denied being behind the wheel at the time, and with the helmet hiding the driver’s face, officers could not identify him or press any charges.
It is unclear if this is the same person police have now arrested.
Back in 2022, social media users were thoroughly entertained by videos of the racing car whizzing on the motorway, with one person writing: “Be right back just going to grab some milk in the F1 car.”
“Not all heroes wear capes,” another added.
X/Policie CZThe red racing car on the D4 motorway[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
