The ACI presidential election in Italy was accompanied by a scandal.

      Amid the resignation of Christian Horner from the position of team principal of Red Bull Racing, other news takes a backseat, especially if they are of a local nature and not directly related to Formula 1.

      However, it is worth mentioning the scandal that erupted in Italy after the election of the new president of the national automobile club ACI. We have quoted its previous president, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, many times, as he led the organization for four consecutive terms.

      The last time we cited him was last autumn when the new contract to host the Italian Grand Prix was officially confirmed, which will remain on the calendar until 2031.

      His successor in this position is Geronimo La Russa, who received 78% of the votes in the election — the 45-year-old lawyer is expected to lead ACI until 2028.

      However, his candidacy was met with strong opposition from Italian political parties — the issue being that La Russa is the son of the President of the Italian Senate, and opponents see this as a conflict of interest.

      Supporters of the new ACI president, however, categorically deny such accusations, asserting that the election process was conducted in accordance with all democratic principles and standards. The official response from the automobile club was in the same vein, emphasizing that the 78% of votes “for” is the best result in ACI leadership elections since 2012.

      Geronimo La Russa was not randomly nominated and elected to this post, as he has previously served as vice president of ACI and is regarded as a true motorsport enthusiast.

      Sticchi Damiani, his predecessor, promised to do everything possible to retain the Formula 1 race in Imola at least until 2026, but was unable to achieve this. La Russa will also have to take responsibility for the prolonged reconstruction of the Monza autodrome, which, however, is still ongoing.