Max Verstappen has dismissed Imola tax concerns in his recent statement. In the paddock at Sepang ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, there was talks about a possible December season finale at Imola if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are disrupted by regional tensions. Valtteri Bottas pointed out the issues about the cold weather, morning fog, early sunsets and, more also, the recent Italian tax situation that has left many drivers uneasy about racing in Italy again. Italian authorities had looked into unpaid taxes linked to income earned by foreign drivers and teams during the Italian Grands Prix in previous years. Reports say nearly €100 million was recovered, with drivers and teams settling the bills.
Bottas was not happy and said “No driver wants to really race in Italy because of recent events, what happened.” He preferred the zero-tax comfort of Abu Dhabi. However Max Verstappen had a completely different view about taxes when he said “There are worse places to be in the wintertime than in Imola. So, yeah, it’s a little bit colder. But I think we’re all clever enough to make sure that we don’t drive in the dark. And there is no tax issue. You just have to pay tax.” he added.
Max Verstappen’s next race in the 2026 Season
Max Verstappen’s focus is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held at Sepang this weekend between 2nd to 4th October. It’s an unusual venue switch after the original Bahrain race was cancelled earlier in the year, and the four-time champion arrives still looking for his first win of a difficult 2026 campaign. He is sitting sixth in the standings after 15 rounds, he has collected solid podiums lately but has watched younger drivers like Kimi Antonelli set the pace.
Verstappen has been open about the gap to Mercedes and the need to keep learning for next season’s car. “I want to at least win one race this year. That’s what I’m here for and I’m getting close.” he said.
After Sepang there will be the Singapore street circuit, then the long haul through the Americas in Austin, Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Las Vegas before the final Middle East double-header that remains under a cloud. If those races move, Imola in early December is the ready alternative, a track Verstappen has already said he’s fine with racing, cold or not. For a driver used to fighting for titles every year, this stretch is about points, progress and that first victory of 2026.
