Czech Authorities Capture Elusive Driver of Phantom Racing Car

Sat Oct 18 2025 09:24:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Czech police have arrested the driver of a Formula 1-style racing car that has evaded capture since 2019, following recent sightings and video evidence of the vehicle's reckless driving.

After years of sightings and failed attempts to identify the driver, Czech police have apprehended a 51-year-old man connected to a striking red racing car resembling a Ferrari. The car had garnered attention for its presence on motorways since 2019, leading to an investigation that culminated in his arrest at home. The driver was seen in videos arguing with police while still in his racing gear before being taken in for questioning.

Police in the Czech Republic have finally captured the driver of a Formula 1-type racing car that had been spotted on the motorway multiple times since 2019.

The red racing car, adorned in full Ferrari livery, was tracked to a residence in the village of Buk, located approximately 60km (37 miles) south-west of Prague, after a recent sighting drew police attention.

Footage emerged on Sunday showing the distinctive vehicle cruising along the D4 motorway and making a stop for petrol.

The driver, a 51-year-old man, was arrested at his home following a brief refusal to exit the vehicle.

Local media recorded video of the man arguing with officers while seated in the car and asserting that they were trespassing. He eventually agreed to accompany police to the station for questioning, still clad in his red racing driver's outfit and helmet.

Upon arrival at the station, however, he reportedly chose not to answer any questions.

A family member claimed that police had surrounded their home with numerous patrol cars and even a helicopter, describing their actions as an excessive response to what he considered merely a traffic infraction.

The man stated, Allegedly, they saw us towing a Formula 1 car which they said had been speeding moments earlier—of course, we know absolutely nothing about this.

The police had previously attempted to speak with this mysterious driver back in 2019, after reports of the car's appearances online. They had found the vehicle and questioned its owner, who denied driving it on the motorway. It remains unclear if this individual is the same person now in custody.

The driver's identity had previously been a mystery due to his helmeted appearances in photographs and videos, complicating police efforts to take further action.

This vehicle has often been referred to as a Ferrari Formula 1 car, but according to auto.cz, it is actually a Dallara GP2/08, a racing car developed by Dallara for the GP2 Series, which is a feeder series to Formula One.

Regardless of its exact nature, the owner could face fines for operating the vehicle on the motorway without headlights, indicators, or license plates, and may even have his driving privileges suspended.