Italian tax authorities are understood to be leading a clampdown on tax enforcement - which could impact F1 drivers.

Specifically, they are looking into whether taxes were properly paid on income generated during races held on Italian soil. The situation appears poised to cause significant legal complications for both teams and athletes.

According to Italian tax laws, foreign athletes participating in sporting events within Italy are required to pay tax on the income earned there. The practical enforcement of this provision has been inconsistent; consequently, an Italian lawyer, identified by the paper as Alessandro Mei, recently requested a thorough investigation into the tax compliance of foreign athletes.

While this theoretically affects athletes across all sports, F1 has become the focal point due to its popularity and the high salaries of its drivers.

The tax authority has contacted drivers by letter, requesting that they submit tax returns for the 2025 tax year and contact the authorities, either personally or through a representative, to discuss further steps.