Formula One driver Jenson Button and his wife Jessica Michibata, became victims of a robbery on Monday evening. The pair was staying at a rental home in Saint-Tropez in Southern France with friends, when the incident happened. The group reportedly lost approximately $460,000 in jewelry and various valuable items.

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According to a report by French website France 24, Button and his wife may have been rendered unconscious during the robbery after they were drugged using anesthetic gas. The gas may have been fed into the St. Tropez property through the air-conditioning units.

"Two men broke into the property whilst they all slept and stole a number of items of jewelry including, most upsettingly, Jessica's engagement ring," said the couple's spokesperson. Michibata's diamond ring, is reported to have cost £250,000 or around US $386,000. The total cost of the stolen valuables reaches up to US $460,000.

According to The Telegraph, three other people were in the house with the Buttons. They were all asleep during the robbery and realized what had happened after they all woke up groggy. The police and the victims are convinced that they had all been gassed after they found out that the burglars had been inside their room, taking valuables without disturbing them.

Another report by The Telegraph claims that the Buttons have become part of a growing list of robbery victims that have been gassed in the French Riviera and surrounding areas. The attacks were not limited to high end luxury homes either. Several victims were in caravans and campervans across Spain and France. French football star is another high-profile athlete who was robbed in his own home. In his case, which took place back in 2006, robbers left with jewelry as well as his Mercedes. 

Former Formula One world champion Jenson Button is in the French Riviera enjoying the summer break from the Formula One season. He currently drives for the McLaren team alongside another former world champion Fernando Alonso. They will return to competition on Aug 21-23 at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Buttons are currently based in Monaco, close to the site of the burglary, also on the French Riviera. 

TagsFormula One, driver, McLaren, Jenson Button, Jessica Michibata, burglary, Gassed, Engagement Ring, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Fernando Alonso