Kimi Antonelli, the current Formula 1 championship leader, is facing a major legal battle after his former manager, Giovanni Minardi, filed a civil lawsuit seeking millions of euros in unpaid compensation.
The lawsuit, lodged in the Bologna court during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, brings to light a dispute that has been simmering behind closed doors for approximately one year. Minardi, the son of Giancarlo Minardi — founder of the iconic Minardi F1 team — claims he is owed significant compensation for managing the early stages of Antonelli's career.
Antonelli was signed to Minardi Management in 2014 when he was just 11 years old. Under Minardi's guidance, the young Italian tested for the Ferrari junior programme, but was ultimately rejected for being "too young" by then-team principal Maurizio Arrivabene. Antonelli subsequently joined Mercedes in 2018, at which point the relationship with Minardi ended and the driver came under the management of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
The civil action concerns alleged breach of the management contract that was in place while Antonelli was a minor. According to sources close to the case, the two parties are not close to reaching a settlement, with the figures involved reportedly running into the millions.
Minardi's lawyer, Mattia Grassani, told Adnkronos: "Giovanni Minardi suffered enormously over what happened and turned to ordinary justice because it was the only option left. So many years of work, sacrifice, and investment in the young driver deserved far greater recognition."
"This is a very complex case that has been pending for almost a year, and has already seen numerous hearings," Grassani added. "It pits Giovanni Minardi against Kimi Antonelli and his parents, alleging breach of the management contract awarded to the minor Kimi and his parents several years ago."
The lawyer revealed that there were previous opportunities to settle the matter out of court, but the offers made were deemed unacceptable by the former manager.
In a further twist, both Toto Wolff and former Mercedes driver scout Gwen Lagrue, who recently left to join Red Bull, may be called to testify as the case unfolds.
The legal proceedings come at a delicate moment for Antonelli, who leads the 2026 F1 drivers' championship and is enjoying a stellar debut season with Mercedes.
Sources
- https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1101982/1/former-manager-sues-f1-points-leader-kimi-antonelli
