Antonelli faces Minardi lawsuit amid title lead

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s 2026 Formula 1 title charge is unfolding alongside a major off-track dispute, with former manager Giovanni Minardi pursuing a civil lawsuit in Bologna over alleged unpaid compensation and damages tied to the end of their management contract before Antonelli’s F1 debut.

Multiple reports say Minardi formally filed the action ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. The claim is centered on alleged unpaid remuneration and compensation linked to the termination of the agreement that covered Antonelli during the early years of his career, with the amount reportedly running into several million euros.

The case reaches back to a relationship that began in 2014, when Antonelli signed with Minardi Management as a child. That arrangement ended after Antonelli joined Mercedes’ junior program in 2018, with his management then passing to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Mattia Grassani, Giovanni Minardi’s lawyer, told Adnkronos the lawsuit came only after attempts to resolve the matter elsewhere failed. “Giovanni Minardi suffered very great pain in this matter. And there were no other options left besides resorting to normal judicial proceedings,” Grassani said. He added that “the long work, sacrifices, and investments made for a young driver should have received a far greater valuation” and that “ordinary courts are the only way.”

Grassani said the dispute has already been running for about a year and has involved several hearings. He said the case concerns alleged violations of the management contract signed when Antonelli was a minor, with his parents also party to that agreement. He added that settlement discussions took place, but no resolution was reached because the proposed terms were considered unacceptable.

That leaves the championship leader dealing with a continuing court battle that could also draw in senior F1 figures. Reports say Wolff and former Mercedes driver scout Gwen Lagrue, who is now at Red Bull, could be called as witnesses as the proceedings continue through the Italian courts.