© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Formula 1, the FIA and the organisers of the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix have agreed to cancel the race weekend due to severe flooding in Italy.
Heavy rain in Italy has caused flooding in the Emilia Romagna region, which led to at least two fatalities.
The alarming situation led to calls from Italian deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini to postpone the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
All involved in the organization of the event then agreed not to proceed with the event this weekend.
“The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region,” a statement from Formula 1 read.
“We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need.
“Following discussions between Formula 1, the president of the FIA, the competent authorities including the relevant ministers, the president of the Automobile Club of Italy, the president of Emilia Romagna region, the mayor of the city and the promoter, the decision has been taken not to proceed with the grand prix weekend in Imola.
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“The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region.
“It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also issued a statement.
“It is such a tragedy to see what has happened to Imola and Emilia Romagna, the town and region that I grew up in and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding and the families and communities affected,” Domenicali said.
“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the incredible emergency services who are working tirelessly to help those who need help and alleviate the situation – they are heroes and the whole of Italy is proud on them.
“The decision that has been taken is the right one for everyone in the local communities and the F1 family as we need to ensure safety and not create extra burden for the authorities while they deal with this very awful situation,” he concluded.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added:
“My thoughts and those of the entire FIA family are with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia Romagna region.
“The safety of everyone involved and recovery efforts are the top priority at this time,” he concluded.
After learning of the cancellation, the Mercedes F1 Team also issued a statement expressing support for the decision.
“The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team fully supports the decision by Formula 1, the FIA, the race promoters and local authorities to not proceed with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend,” the statement read.
“The safety of people in the Emilia Romagna region must take priority, alongside allowing local authorities and emergency services to continue their vital work helping those in need.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, families and communities who have been affected by the flooding in the region,” the statement concluded.
As of right now it is not known if the event will be rescheduled, but it seems unlikely due the congested calendar later in the year.
