Italian investigation focuses on F1 regarding 'hundreds of millions' in taxes.

      "I am motivated by a sense of duty."

      Formula 1 teams are currently being investigated in Italy for alleged unpaid taxes amounting to "hundreds of millions of euros" related to races held at Monza, Imola, and Mugello. Reports from Sport e Finanza and other Italian sources indicate that the Guardia di Finanza has initiated administrative checks to determine if foreign teams properly managed tax obligations regarding driver income earned in Italy. The investigation, based in Bologna, originates from a complaint lodged by lawyer Alessandro Mei. "It is clear that athletes who earn income in Italy, regardless of their residency, are required to declare and pay taxes there," he stated. Authorities are looking into whether teams neglected their responsibility as withholding agents for drivers' salaries, which is a crucial requirement under Italian law. If confirmed, this alleged practice "would represent a failure to pay taxes resulting from work conducted on national territory," according to one report. The investigation is still in its early stages, with no criminal proceedings initiated yet, but this issue has previously been brought up at the parliamentary level. "I am acting out of a sense of responsibility," Mei remarked, "in light of the potential millions of dollars involved in tax evasion, should it be proven."