Former F1 driver arrested in Texas

January 13, 2026 Oliver Obel

Antonio Pizzonia, a former Formula One driver who raced in the championship during the early 2000s, was arrested in Texas over the weekend after attending a junior karting event involving his son. Police have confirmed the arrest, though the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident have not been publicly detailed.

The 45-year-old Brazilian was taken into custody on Saturday, January 10, at Speedsportz Racing Park in New Caney. According to TMZ, Pizzonia was charged with assault following an incident that occurred while he was watching races from the spectator area.

TMZ reported that Pizzonia had travelled to the event to support his son, Antonio Pizzonia Neto, who was competing in the Superkarts! USA Winter Series, a well-known development series in American karting. Pizzonia Neto finished ninth in the X Junior category.

Montgomery County Police later acknowledged the arrest by releasing a booking photograph showing Pizzonia in jail clothing. Authorities have not said what prompted the charge, nor have they identified whether the alleged incident involved another spectator, race personnel, or someone else at the circuit. No court date has been announced.

In the days leading up to the arrest, Pizzonia appeared to be spending time in the United States with his family. TMZ noted that social media posts shared before the incident suggested a routine family trip centred around the karting event, adding to the attention surrounding the case.

Although the details remain limited, the arrest has drawn interest because of Pizzonia’s previous profile in international motorsport. He made his Formula One debut with Jaguar in 2003 alongside Mark Webber but was replaced midway through the season after struggling for results.

He returned to the grid in 2004 as a Williams test driver and was later called upon to substitute for Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya when both were sidelined by injury. Pizzonia scored eight championship points during his Formula One career and did not secure a full-time seat beyond the 2005 season.

After leaving Formula One, he continued racing across a range of series, including Champ Car, Superleague Formula, Stock Car Brasil and the FIA GT1 World Championship. In more recent years, he has competed in the Auto GP World Series and the Boss GP Open Class.

Police have not released further information, and Pizzonia remains presumed innocent unless and until the case proceeds through the courts.

Sources: TMZ, Montgomery County Police