Former Formula 1 driver Antonio Pizzonia was arrested in Texas on Saturday after aiming a karate kick at a man in the paddock of a junior race. The incident occurred at Speedsportz Racing Park in New Caney, Texas, and was captured on social media footage.
The 45-year-old Brazilian, who raced for Jaguar and Williams between 2003 and 2005, acknowledged his actions in an Instagram statement on Monday. He said his son, Antonio Pizzonia Neto, was “being coerced by another adult” and he “instinctively defended him.” Pizzonia admitted he would have “reacted in a different way” with hindsight.
Video footage shows Pizzonia delivering a flying kick to the back of a man who was wagging his finger at his son, followed by a punch. The pair were separated, and Pizzonia was later arrested and held in Montgomery County jail before being released. His mugshot was released by police.
Pizzonia’s son, also a driver, finished ninth in the junior race at the 2026 Superkarts! USA Winter Series. Pizzonia’s most notable F1 performances came in 2004 when he deputised for the injured Ralf Schumacher at Williams, finishing seventh in three of four races. He later competed in Brazilian stock car racing, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship.
