The investigation, initiated by lawyer Alessandro May and expert Emilio De Santis, points to potential damage to the budget in the amount of millions of euros. Calculations show the scale of the problem, at an Italian tax rate of 43%, a driver of Carlos Sainz’s stature could owe around €400,000 for just one Grand Prix.
The authorities are categorical in their formula:
If a driver competes in one race in Italy, he owes tax on 1/24 of his annual income.
At two races (as is the case with Monza and Imola), the amount jumps to 1/12 of his total remuneration.
The audit covers not only team salaries but also personal sponsorship contracts. The three tracks that have hosted in recent years, historic Monza, Imola and Mugello (in 2020), are under scrutiny.
From a fine to prison
The situation is far from just administrative. If a pilot’s liability is found to exceed €50,000, the case goes to criminal proceedings. This means not only salty fines, but also the risk of suspended sentences for the stars of the championship. The teams themselves are also under fire, as they could be held liable as “tax brokers” who failed to withhold the required sums.
The wave of investigations has already flooded Formula E for the races in Rome and Misano. It seems that the era of the “tax haven” on the runway is coming to an end, and the Italian financial police are ready to wave the black flag for anyone who tries to circumvent the law.
