Thousands of individuals in the Emilia Romagna region have been evacuated from their residences, according to Italian authorities.
Discussions between local authorities and race organizers at Imola in Italy concluded on Wednesday that it would not be safe to proceed with the event.
Moreover, there was a collective decision to avoid diverting the attention and resources of emergency services, which are currently addressing the problems in the region.
Formula 1 (F1) acknowledged that canceling the race was the responsible and appropriate course of action.
Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and Chief Executive Officer expressed his sentiments, saying, “It is truly tragic to witness the devastation that has occurred in Imola and Emilia Romagna, the very town and region where I grew up. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding and the affected families and communities.”
He further stated, “The decision that has been made is in the best interests of the local communities and the entire F1 family. We must prioritize safety and refrain from creating additional burdens for the authorities as they cope with this dire situation.”
This decision follows the issuance of a red weather warning for the region on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Emilia Romagna region has experienced widespread flooding, resulting in the loss of at least three lives. Authorities have urged residents to relocate to higher ground.
Red Bull’s Alpha Tauri team, based in the nearby town of Faenza, expressed their deep concern in a statement regarding the unfolding events and the significant damage caused by flooding and heavy rainfall in the Emilia Romagna area.
The statement reassured that the team’s factory remained unaffected, and all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the safety of employees and their families.
The Ferrari factory in Maranello located a little over 50 miles northwest of Imola, is also situated in the affected region.
On Tuesday, the track was evacuated due to the risk of flooding from the Santerno River, which runs adjacent to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
As a result of the continuous heavy rain overnight and throughout the morning, F1 personnel were prohibited from accessing the circuit on Wednesday.
Originally slated as the sixth race of the season, the Emilia Romagna GP was intended to be the first of three consecutive events, followed by Monaco and Spain.
F1 will explore options for rescheduling the race, although the likelihood of its return is low due to the crowded schedule.
The 2023 calendar had initially planned for a record-breaking 23 races. However, with the cancellation of the Imola race, the schedule will now be reduced to 22 races, matching last year’s count.
British driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his hope that everyone in the region remains safe and looks out for one another.
Taking to Instagram, Hamilton shared, “My thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy, and I commend the incredible emergency services working tirelessly on the ground.”
Max Verstappen, the world champion and a Red Bull driver, voiced his support for the decision to cancel the race, stating, “Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the severe rainfall and flooding in the wider Emilia Romagna region. We wish you strength in ensuring your safety during this challenging period.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, remarked, “The entire FIA family stands in solidarity with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia Romagna region. Our top priority at this time is the safety of everyone involved and the ongoing recovery efforts.”
George Russell from Mercedes expressed regret for the fans that the race had to be canceled but emphasized that the safety of all individuals involved should always take precedence.
