A storm may be brewing for Formula 1 and the Italian Grand Prix following reports out of Italy alleging that prosecutors have uncovered a sophisticated money laundering scheme linked to the sport.

According to La Repubblica, an investigation initiated by authorities back in 2012 has concluded that tax evasion and a system of false invoices evolving around driver sponsorship contracts was set up by a network of Italian GP insiders.

The report added that 82 people are currently under investigation and could be indicted. La Republicca also reported that former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been questioned over the matter.

More troubling, Italian prosecutors conducting the investigation fear the complicated "shadow" system they believe they have uncovered may have been replicated by other European countries hosting an F1 Grand Prix.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Happy 'Bert Day' to F1i founder Bertrand Gachot

Today, we at F1i.com raise a celebratory glass to our esteemed founder, Bertrand Gachot, who…

10 mins ago

McLaren’s 2024 Season: A triumph 26 years in the making

McLaren roared back to the pinnacle of Formula 1 in 2024, clinching their first Constructors'…

24 mins ago

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

2 hours ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

4 hours ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

19 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

20 hours ago