Racing prodigy tipped for a Formula One career admits to stabbing his father to death in family spat gone wrong

A former racing prodigy once tipped to reach Formula One has admitted to stabbing his father to death following a violent family dispute in Spain.

Antolin Gonzalez, 23, confessed in court this week to killing his father, also named Antolin Gonzalez, during a confrontation at the family's industrial warehouse in Aranda de Duero, near Burgos, on July 5.

According to reports in Spain, the former karting champion told investigators that his father had first brandished a machete-style knife with a blade up to 15 centimetres long. 

A struggle followed, during which the younger Gonzalez stabbed his father in the neck.

Spanish outlet, La Sexta, claim that he fled the scene and was arrested hours later in the nearby town of Sinovas. 

The 56-year-old victim, a local businessman, was still alive when emergency services arrived but later died from his injuries.

Gonzalez Jr has claimed the killing was accidental and insists he acted in self-defence.

He is reported to have cooperated with police by leading officers to the banks of the Banuelos River, where he said he disposed of the knife and a gym bag. 

The bag has been recovered, but the weapon remains missing.

Gonzalez Jr rose to prominence as one of Spain’s brightest young talents in motorsport. 

He broke a karting track record at the age of eight and became the youngest driver to test a Formula 3 car at 13.

He went on to race in Spanish Formula 4, Formula Masters China and the Asian Formula Renault series, finishing runner-up in 2018.

Despite early comparisons to Fernando Alonso, his progress stalled, reportedly due to financial issues.

Antolin Jr is reportedly seeking a plea bargain for a lesser sentence. The trial continues.