Former Formula One driver Antonio Pizzonia was taken into custody on assault charges in Texas on Saturday evening, according to reports.
The 45-year-old Brazilian, who competed at the highest level of motorsport between 2003 and 2005, was reportedly processed at a Montgomery County jail at approximately 6pm local time.
A mugshot released by Montgomery County Police shows the ex-racer dressed in a striped jail jumpsuit.
The precise circumstances that led to his detention have not been disclosed.
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Pizzonia drove for both Jaguar and Williams during his time in the sport.
The former racer was present at Speedsportz Racing Park in Montgomery County to watch his son compete over the weekend, TMZ reports.
Antonio Pizzonia Neto, who shares his father's name, was participating in the 2026 Superkarts! USA Winter Series at the venue.
The younger Pizzonia crossed the line in ninth position in the X30 Junior Race category.
Former Formula One driver Antonio Pizzonia was taken into custody on assault charges in Texas on Saturday evening, according to reports
|GETTY
Prior to travelling to Texas, the family had been holidaying in Florida, where they welcomed the new year together in Orlando.
Pizzonia's daughters, Sophia and Antonella, were also part of the family gathering, according to his social media posts.
The Brazilian's career in Formula One began with Jaguar, though he was dropped partway through his debut season after failing to register any championship points.
The following year brought an opportunity at Williams, where he stepped in as a substitute for Ralf Schumacher after the German suffered injuries.
A mugshot released by Montgomery County Police shows the ex-racer dressed in a striped jail jumpsuit
|Montgomery County Police
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Antonio Pizzonia competed at the highest level of motorsport between 2003 and 2005
|GETTY
During his stint with the Grove-based outfit, the Brazilian accumulated eight points across his appearances.
His tenure in the world's most prestigious single-seater series concluded in 2005, bringing an end to a brief but notable spell at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Following his departure from F1, Pizzonia continued racing across various championships worldwide.
His motorsport career extended well beyond Formula One, with the Brazilian securing victory in the 2015 Auto GP World Series.
Throughout his post-F1 years, he also competed in the Champ Car World Series, Superleague Formula, Stock Car Brasil, and the FIA GT1 World Championship
|GETTY
More recently, Pizzonia claimed the Open Class title in the Boss GP championship in both 2023 and 2024.
Throughout his post-F1 years, he also competed in the Champ Car World Series, Superleague Formula, Stock Car Brasil, and the FIA GT1 World Championship.
Despite his lengthy racing CV, the specific events that prompted Saturday's arrest in Texas remain unknown.
No further details regarding the assault charge have been made public by authorities at this stage.
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