Sutil, who is incarcerated, refutes fraud allegations through his attorney.

      He is presently in pretrial detention in Germany.

      Adrian Sutil has made his first official statement following last week’s arrest, with his attorney asserting that the former Formula 1 driver denies all accusations and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

      Sutil, 42, was detained in Sindelfingen last week after coordinated raids took place in Germany, Monaco, and Switzerland. Stuttgart prosecutors have confirmed that he is being investigated for aggravated fraud and embezzlement related to international luxury-car leasing.

      His lawyer, Dirk Schmitz, issued a detailed statement to TZ, indicating that Sutil remains in pretrial detention not specifically due to the charges, but because he no longer has a residence in Germany.

      "Adrian Sutil is currently in pretrial detention in Germany mainly because Mr. Sutil does not have a home in Germany, only in Monaco," Schmitz confirmed. Sutil "strongly denies" all allegations.

      "From his standpoint, no financial harm has been inflicted on third parties up to this point," the lawyer mentioned, and noted that the case involves "international and cross-border leasing agreements" that are assessed differently under various national laws.

      Schmitz also suggested that the former Force India driver might be the target of a more extensive criminal operation. "The circumstances and triggers indicate an intention to intentionally and misleadingly tarnish his reputation. Specifically, Adrian Sutil himself has fallen victim to a significant financial crime within a European context," he stated, promising to provide more information soon.

      Sutil is reportedly fully cooperating with investigators "to ensure a quick and thorough resolution."

      "He is confident that the allegations will be proven unfounded and that his esteemed reputation as a Formula 1 driver will be fully restored," the statement said. He characterized his arrest as a "traumatic experience" and urged the public and media to refrain from speculative judgments. "Evaluations should only be made once reliable findings are established," Schmitz added.

Other articles

Cadillac will reveal its F1 livery in a Super Bowl advertisement. Formula 1 | Cadillac is set to unveil its inaugural Formula 1 livery through a television advertisement during the Super Bowl - an exceptionally costly method to showcase the new (…)

The court in Paris has authorized the FIA election to move forward. Formula 1 | The FIA's presidential election is set to take place on December 12, although a court in Paris has declined to validate the process, granting Laura Villars an (…)

Piastri poses 'the genuine threat' to Norris in the finale. Formula 1 | Lando Norris has been cautioned that his primary challenge in Sunday's championship showdown might not be Max Verstappen, but rather Oscar Piastri, according to insiders.