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Italy Opens Tax Audit Into F1 Drivers Over Earnings From Races

The probe applies Italy’s territorial tax rule to race‑weekend income, with unpaid amounts over €50,000 carrying criminal risk.

Overview

  • The Guardia di Finanza in Bologna has launched an investigation into foreign Formula 1 drivers and teams for taxes tied to past Italian race weekends.
  • Authorities have sent formal letters asking drivers to file 2025 tax returns and to contact investigators, who are seeking driver and sponsorship contracts to verify earnings.
  • Officials plan to calculate a pro‑rata share of salaries and bonuses earned at Italian events in Monza, Imola, and Mugello, which Italian law treats as taxable income.
  • Investigators intend to collect unpaid taxes retroactively where allowed, including exposure from the 2020 season when Italy hosted three Grands Prix.
  • If unpaid tax exceeds €50,000, cases can be treated as criminal offenses under Italian law, and some reports suggest FOM could explore a collective settlement, which has not been confirmed.