Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is facing a multi-million euro legal dispute with his former manager Giovanni Minardi, according to reports in Italy.
Minardi, the son of former Formula One team owner Gian Carlo Minardi, claims he is owed unpaid compensation after helping to launch Antonelli’s career from a young age.
The relationship dates back to when Antonelli was just eight years old, with Giovanni Minardi identifying the Bologna-born driver’s talent during his karting days and managing his early development.
The partnership came to an end in late 2018, when Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Team. According to the report, Mercedes requested that the young Italian be released from all existing management agreements to allow the team complete control over his commercial rights, media commitments and sponsorship deals.
Antonelli subsequently terminated his agreement with Minardi Management, prompting Giovanni Minardi to begin legal proceedings at the Bologna court.
The case, which has been ongoing since last year, centres on payments that Minardi argues he is contractually entitled to receive. Antonelli, however, maintains that he acted lawfully in ending the relationship.
Reports suggest the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, with several million euros believed to be at stake.
As the case progresses, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff and the head of the Mercedes Junior Academy could reportedly be called to testify during future court hearings as witnesses.
Despite the off-track legal battle, Antonelli continues to impress on the circuit as one of Formula One’s brightest young talents.
