Valtteri Bottas clarifies F1 drivers' stance on Italian taxes

Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has clarified his previous remarks regarding the tax situation in Italy, stating that drivers have “no problem” paying taxes as long as the requirements are clearly communicated.

Bottas addressed criticisms following comments suggesting that drivers are reluctant to race in Italy due to recent fiscal developments. In Italy, foreign athletes are classified as independent contractors and are required to pay taxes on income earned during national competitions.

Reports indicate that Italy’s financial police, the Guardia di Finanza, recently contacted several F1 drivers requesting tax returns for earnings spanning the last seven years. Bottas expressed frustration over the retrospective nature of these requests, noting that drivers were previously under the impression that no filings were required for Italian races.