The decision to cancel the Emilia-Romagna Formula 1 Grand Prix due to the heavy rains and flooding that hit the area, with a provisional balance of nine deadseveral missing and thousands displaced, was supported with messages through social networks by both the teams and the drivers.
“After the heavy rains that hit northern Italy, we support the decision taken by F1 not to contest the Imola Grand Prix this weekend,” said Red Bull, leaders of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.
“The safety of all those affected in the region is paramount and it should take precedence. Our thoughts go out to the people affected by the floods and the emergency teams working in the region at this very difficult time,” added the Austrian team.
His pilots also spoke about it. Dutch Max Verstappen, current World Championship leader, wrote: “I support the decision taken by F1 and the local authorities to cancel the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Our thoughts are with those affected. due to heavy flooding in the region. We are sending all our strength to ensure their safety during this time.”
“All my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Emilia Romagna. We won’t be racing there this weekend but we hope to be back soon. Please stay safe, ”his partner Mexican Sergio Czech Perez.
For its part, Aston Martin, which Spain’s Fernando Alonso currently competes with, said: “After the heavy rains that hit northern Italy, we support the decision taken by F1 not to celebrate the Imola Grand Prix this weekend. “.
Ferrari also stated: “Our thoughts are with the people of Emilia-Romagna and the Marche as we struggle with the destruction caused by heavy rains and floods currently affecting the area.
Also, your pilot Charles Leclerc has released a screenshot with an account to deposit money to help those affected and the sentence “Strength and courage in these difficult times”.
Mercedes, for its part, said it “fully supports the decision”. “The safety of people in the area must be priority, enabling local authorities and emergency services to continue their vital task of helping those in need. Our thoughts go out to the victims, families and communities affected by the floods.”
Briton Lewis Hamilton, one of its pilots, said: “I wish everyone in Emilia-Romagna can be safe and look after each other at this time. Our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy and the extraordinary emergency teams who work in we all understand that safety is a priority. I can’t wait to see you all at the next race“.
“We are sorry for the spectators that this weekend’s race has been cancelled, but the safety of all those affected must come first. We wish everyone the best in the Emilia-Romagna region and surrounding areas who will have been affected by these floods,” said fellow Briton Lando Norris, a McLaren driver.
From Alpine, the text that was released was: “The BWT Alpine F1 Team fully supports the decision taken by F1 not to stage the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Our thoughts go out to those affected by the floods in the region”.
One of its pilots, Esteban Ocon, spoke along the same lines: “My thoughts go to the entire population of Emilia-Romagna affected by the heavy rains and floods. I’m sorry I can’t race in front of the fantastic Italian fans this weekendBut the top priority is the safety of those in the area and the emergency services who courageously help those in need.”
Guenther Steiner, boss of Haas, said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by the floods in Emilia-Romagna, some of our staff have been able to see for themselves the impact they have had. We fully support the decision by F1 and the FIA not to hold the Grand Prix”.
“We will continue to have the local community in our thoughts, their safety in the future is essential and we want to show our appreciation to the authorities and emergency teams in the region for their tireless efforts in these difficult times,” he added.
Also on behalf of Haas, German Nico Hülkenberg said: “Unfortunately this weekend’s race at Imola has been canceled but now there is something more important: I sincerely hope that all people living in Emilia-Romagna are well in the next days”.
When will the Ímola GP take place?
In a tight calendar, which has already sold out the Chinese Grand Prix -which left a gap of four weeks between Australia and Azerbaijan-, a rescheduling of the appointment in Ímola appears unlikely.
The next race is in Monaco on May 28 and the next in Spain on April 4, after which there is a week off to take Formula 1 overseas for the Canadian GP.
While, once the month of July has begun, the Austrian Grand Prix and that of Great Britain will take place consecutively.
In the event that a new date is not reassigned to the Emilia Romagna GP, the calendar will be reduced from 24 to 22 datesas the Chinese GP, which was scheduled for April 16 and not held due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in the country, was canceled early.
This is what the 2023 calendar looks like after the cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna GP
March 5: Bahrain GP, won by Max Verstappen
March 19: Saudi Arabian GP, won by Sergio Pérez
April 2: Australian GP, won by Max Verstappen
16 April, Chinese GP, canceled due to difficulties related to Covid 19
April 30: Azerbaijan GP, won by Sergio Pérez
May 7: GP of Miami, won by Max Verstappen
21 May: Emilia-Romagna GP canceled due to flooding
May 28: Monaco GP
4 June: Spanish GP (Barcelona)
June 18: Canadian GP (Montreal)
July 2: Austrian GP (Spielberg)
July 9: UK GP (Silverstone)
23 July: Hungarian GP (Budapest)
30 July: Belgian GP (Spa-Francorchamps)
27 August: Dutch GP (Zandvoort)
3 September: Italian GP (Monza)
September 17: Singapore GP
September 24: Japanese GP (Suzuka)
Oct 8: Qatar GP (Losail)
October 22: United States GP (Austin)
October 29: Mexican GP (Mexico)
5 November: Brazilian GP (Sao Paulo)
November 18: Las Vegas GP
November 26: Abu Dhabi GP (Yas Marina)
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.