A former F1 driver, who is now retired, was arrested and charged with assault after watching his son race in the 2026 Superkarts! USA Winter Series.
Antonio Pizzonia, 45, has reportedly been arrested for assault after watching his son race.
The Brazilian, who raced in F1 for Jaguar and Williams between 2003 and 2005, was detained and sent to a Texas jail on Saturday evening (January 10), before his mugshot was released via TMZ.
The outlet claimed that the 45-year-old was among fans at the Speedsportz Racing Park in New Caney, Texas, watching the 2026 SuperKarts! USA Winter Series, in which his son was a participant.
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Antonio Pizzonia Neto wound up finishing ninth in the X Junior race.
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Further details about his father’s arrest have not been released by the authorities, despite the Montgomery County Police confirming Pizzonia Sr’s detainment by releasing a mugshot of him wearing prison clothing.
The Brazilian appeared to have been enjoying the festive period with his family and posted several snaps of himself online before the incident.
Pizzonia Sr debuted for Jaguar in 2003, partnering with Mark Webber. After several poor showings, he was replaced mid-season.
After being replaced by Justin Wilson at Jaguar, Pizzonia returned to F1 the next year as a Williams test driver.
He was then called up by Williams to substitute for the injured Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya during the 2004 season.
However, things did not go as planned for the 45-year-old, who boasted a respectable junior racing background, as he went to achieve just eight career points before failing to find another F1 seat in 2006.
After his F1 career ended, he continued to compete in racing, participating in the 2015 Auto GP World Series and the Open Class of the Boss GP in 2023 and 2024.
Pizzonia also raced in the Champ Car World Series, Superleague Formula, Stock Car Brasil, and the FIA GT1 World Championship.
Topics: Formula 1, Motorsport
Luke Davies