Mercedes Formula 1 sensation Kimi Antonelli has been hit with an unexpected legal challenge after reports from Italy revealed that his former manager has filed a lawsuit against the championship leader. The case has emerged just as Formula 1 prepares to enter its annual summer break, drawing significant attention away from the on-track title battle.
Italian reports claim that Giovanni Minardi has initiated civil proceedings against the 19-year-old Mercedes driver in a Bologna court. The lawsuit reportedly centres on claims of unpaid fees and compensation linked to the end of Minardi’s management role, with the dispute dating back to the period before Antonelli made his Formula 1 debut in 2025.
The legal action has generated added interest because Giovanni Minardi is the son of Gian Carlo Minardi, founder of the iconic Minardi Formula 1 team. The Faenza-based outfit competed in Formula 1 for more than two decades before it was sold to Red Bull in 2005 and later became today’s Racing Bulls team.
Minardi was heavily involved in Antonelli’s early career, helping the young Italian progress through karting and junior racing categories. He is also believed to have recommended Antonelli to Ferrari’s junior academy before Mercedes secured his services in 2018. Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme at just 12 years old and has since developed into one of Formula 1’s brightest young stars under the guidance of team principal Toto Wolff.
According to the reports, the dispute concerns a six-figure financial claim, with disagreements between the two sides said to have intensified during 2025 despite their professional relationship ending several years earlier. If the case moves forward, Wolff could reportedly be called as a witness during court proceedings.
Antonelli’s representatives have not commented publicly on the allegations. However, those close to Mercedes are reportedly confident that both the team and the driver have acted within the law and remain calm as the legal process unfolds.
There is currently no suggestion that the matter will be resolved quickly, meaning the case could continue while Formula 1 enjoys its summer shutdown. Despite the off-track distraction, Antonelli remains firmly focused on his championship campaign as he looks to continue his impressive breakthrough season with Mercedes.
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