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Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli has found himself at the centre of an unexpected legal dispute after reports from Italy claimed that his former manager has launched a civil lawsuit against the championship leader. The development comes at a crucial point in the 2026 Formula 1 season, just before the sport pauses for its annual summer break.
According to reports from Italian media, Giovanni Minardi has filed legal proceedings against the 19-year-old in a court in Bologna. The lawsuit is said to relate to alleged unpaid compensation and damages connected to the end of Minardi’s management role. The claims reportedly stem from events that took place before Antonelli made his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes in 2025.
The case has attracted additional attention because Giovanni Minardi comes from one of Formula 1’s most respected families. He is the son of Gian Carlo Minardi, whose Minardi team competed in Formula 1 for over 20 years before the outfit was sold to Red Bull in 2005. That team eventually evolved into what is now Racing Bulls, one of the current teams on the F1 grid.
Minardi was considered a key figure during Antonelli’s rise through junior motorsport. He reportedly helped guide the young Italian through karting and early single-seater competition and is also believed to have recommended him for Ferrari’s junior academy before Mercedes secured his signature in 2018. Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme at the age of 12 and has since developed into one of the sport’s brightest young talents under the guidance of team principal Toto Wolff.
Reports indicate that the legal dispute involves a six-figure financial claim, with tensions between the two parties allegedly increasing during 2025 despite their professional relationship having ended years earlier. If the matter proceeds through the courts, Wolff could reportedly be asked to provide testimony during future hearings.
Neither Antonelli nor his representatives have issued a public response to the allegations. However, sources close to the Mercedes camp are said to be relaxed about the situation, with confidence that the team and driver have acted appropriately throughout the matter.
At present, there is no indication that a settlement is close. As a result, the legal proceedings could continue in the background while Antonelli remains focused on his pursuit of a maiden Formula 1 world championship, adding an unexpected off-track challenge to an already eventful season.
