Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and his wife, Brittny Ward, have expressed that they have “no interest” in returning to the UK after a shocking theft incident in London — though family and work obligations will eventually bring them back.
The couple had just arrived at London’s St Pancras Station from a Valentine’s Day trip to Paris when a thief snatched a suitcase belonging to Brittny, containing over £250,000 worth of luxury items and sentimental jewellery tied to their wedding and children’s births.
While Jenson was assisting their driver with luggage, the thief made off with the Goyard suitcase. CCTV footage later helped police identify the suspect as 41-year-old Mourad Aid, who has pleaded guilty to theft and is awaiting sentencing.
The stolen items included two Kelly handbags and several irreplaceable pieces of jewellery. Speaking about the ordeal, Brittny admitted she was shaken by how chaotic and unsafe London felt.
“I was shocked by how unsecure it all felt — there were so many people, it was so hectic,” Brittny said. She added that she normally stays cautious when travelling but didn’t anticipate “gangs literally just waiting and watching.” She partly blamed herself and partly noted Jenson’s sometimes “too relaxed” nature, saying they didn’t even notice when the bag was taken.
Brittny also shared how their view of London has darkened over the years. “When we first started dating, going to London felt nice — now it feels dark and scary. We really have no interest going back, and it’s a shame because that’s where the children’s grandmother and aunts live,” she said.
Unfortunately, this was not the first such experience for Jenson. A few months earlier, his own bag was stolen in a London car park. And back in 2015, Jenson and his then-wife Jessica were victims of a major burglary at their rented home in Saint-Tropez, where thieves took around £300,000 worth of items, including Jessica’s £250,000 engagement ring.
Despite these incidents, Jenson’s ties to the UK remain strong through his punditry work with Sky F1, especially during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where he regularly appears on coverage.
