Drivers in tax-heaven laugh off F1 proposal

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-5  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

FORMULA One's tax-exile drivers laughed off a suggestion by the governing FIA on Thursday that they might be asked to hand over 15 percent of their incomes in order to compete.

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association has complained in recent weeks about the significant hike in the cost of super-licences, based on the number of points scored in the previous season. That has meant McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, overall runner-up last year, having to pay 228,000 euros (US$362,100) this year rather than 1,725 in 2007.

The governing International Automobile Federation suggested that system might be replaced with a flat rate, but added that drivers living in tax havens could face an even heftier charge.

"We are happy to discuss the matter with the drivers and we can look again at the way the super licence is set. The FIA would consider a flat, higher rate for those in tax exile," said a spokesman. A 15 percent figure was suggested.

Honda's Jenson Button, a Monaco resident, said that was a non-starter.

"What's the super-licence got to do with where we live?," he asked. "A super-licence is to show we're capable of driving in Formula One ... it's a licence to go racing, the same as a road licence.

"Where you live hasn't got anything to do with your racing licence.

"We shouldn't even need a licence. You get to Formula One and if people say you're good enough to drive a Formula One car, you drive a Formula One car," added Button.

Compatriot David Coulthard, a long-term Monaco resident who had nothing to worry about since he is retiring at the end of the year, said drivers should not be singled out for what was a "lifestyle choice."

"I think it's wrong of people to have a dig at someone else who's having perceived financial success and choosing to live in a country that suits his needs at that time," he said.