Former Formula 1 driver Antonio Pizzonia was arrested in Texas following an alleged assault that occurred during a youth karting event, drawing international attention to an incident involving a well-known figure in professional motorsports and raising legal questions surrounding parental intervention and criminal liability.
Pizzonia, a Brazilian racing driver who competed in Formula 1 in the early 2000s, was taken into custody by Montgomery County authorities after an altercation at Speedsportz Racing Park in New Caney, Texas. The incident took place during a junior karting competition in which his teenage son was participating.
According to law enforcement records, Pizzonia was charged with assault causing bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor under Texas law. He was later released after posting bond. No felony charges have been reported at this time.
Incident Captured on Video
The arrest followed the circulation of a widely shared video on social media that appears to show Pizzonia sprinting toward another adult male before launching a forceful kick described by witnesses as a “karate-style” kick—followed by a punch. Event officials and bystanders quickly intervened, separating the two individuals before the confrontation escalated further…