Mercedes team robbed at gunpoint on eve of Brazilian GP

Members of Lewis Hamilton's world-championship winning Mercedes team were robbed at gunpoint as they left the Interlagos circuit on Friday night. A minibus, transporting Mercedes staff back to their team hotel, was held up at 2200 local time. One of the team had a gun held to their head, Hamilton said. "One minibus was robbed at gunpoint. Valuables were stolen but everybody is safe and uninjured which is the main thing," a Mercedes spokesperson said.

Lewis Hamilton

Jenson Button was ambushed by gunmen when he left the same track back in 2010. Hamilton tweeted on Saturday morning: "Some of my team were held up at gunpoint last night leaving the circuit here in Brazil. Gun shots fired, gun held at ones head. This is so upsetting to hear. Please say a prayer for my guys who are here as professionals today even if shaken." Staff from the British-based Williams' team had a narrow escape after a van was held up in front of their minibus as they left the circuit. The team confirmed it had witnessed a van being targeted at gun point ahead of them, but they were able to get away.

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