F1 has announced that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled after devastating flooding hit the region over the past couple of days. The decision was made to prioritise the relief effort after thousands of residents had been evacuated from their homes.
Severe weather warnings have been in place throughout Tuesday and Wednesday within the Emilia Romagna region. Yesterday, F1 personnel at the track were told to leave the circuit following a red alert warning of flooding and landslides. The update this morning was that they could not return to the circuit.
As reported by The Race, circuit facilities have suffered flooding. The Santerno River next to the Imola circuit is running high, and car parks and parts of the area surrounding the circuit are flooded, with rain still forecast throughout Wednesday. Options were being discussed on Wednesday morning, including running a shortened event.
However, the decision was made to cancel the event in light of the situation in Emilia-Romagna. Emergency services like firefighters or ambulances are better used for rescue and rebuilding efforts for the local area, and going ahead with the Grand Prix would add more burden.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “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.”
He continues: “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.”
The severe flooding has caused many in the local areas to be evacuated, and it has been reported that at least three people have died.
Our thoughts are with those affected.
