Former manager Giovanni Minardi sues F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli for millions

Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli is at the centre of a legal battle with former manager Giovanni Minardi, who has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit over compensation he claims was never paid after the Mercedes driver made his F1 debut.

The dispute, which has been ongoing behind closed doors for roughly a year, pits Antonelli against Minardi, the son of Giancarlo Minardi who founded the iconic Minardi F1 team. Antonelli was signed to the Minardi Management banner in 2014 when he was just 11 years old, and Minardi arranged a test for him to join the Ferrari junior programme. The attempt was rejected by then team principal Maurizio Arrivabene, who deemed Antonelli "too young".

Antonelli joined Mercedes in 2018 and ceased his association with Minardi, subsequently being represented by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. It was at this point the dispute arose. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Minardi officially lodged a civil lawsuit in Bologna court seeking unpaid compensation.

"Giovanni Minardi suffered enormously over what happened and turned to ordinary justice because it was the only option left," Minardi's lawyer Mattia Grassani told Adnkronos. "So many years of work, sacrifice, and investment in the young driver deserved far greater recognition."

Grassani added: "When the driver moved to Mercedes, the Antonelli team deemed the conditions no longer met to continue. This is where the dispute arose. There were opportunities to settle the matter out of court, but the offers made were deemed unacceptable by the former manager."

Both Wolff and former Mercedes driver scout Gwen Lagrue, who recently joined rival team Red Bull, may be required to testify. The figures involved are reported to be in the millions.

Sources

• Crash.net — "Former manager sues F1 points leader Kimi Antonelli"
• La Repubblica Bologna — "Kimi Antonelli, causa con Minardi jr: l'ex manager chiede un risarcimento milionario"