The area where the race was to be held, Emilia Romagna, is on red alert due to torrential rains.
Formula 1 has decided to cancel the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which was to be held this weekend at the Imola Circuit (Italy), given the impossibility of holding the event in safe conditions for the fans who were going to attend the circuit, due to heavy rains and flooding in the area, caused by the passage of Cyclone Minerva.
The premier class has been monitoring the situation for the past few days, and just after the paddock even had to be vacated on Tuesday due to flooding and the flooding of the Santerno river next to the circuit, the F1 community was aware of that taking the Grand Prix forward was very difficult.
In addition, it was not certain that, in these conditions, thousands of fans would come to Imola from Friday to Sunday, when the roads and paths are flooded and in very difficult conditions.
After discussions held between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of the Emilia Romagna Region and the Mayor of Imola, the decision has been made not to go ahead with the event. , since it is considered that it is not possible to hold the Grand Prix in safe conditions for fans, teams and staff.
It is also about avoiding overloading the emergency services, which are working to alleviate the situation as soon as possible and avoid casualties.
“It is a tragedy to see what has happened in Imola and in Emilia Romagna, the city and region where I grew up. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the floods and the families and communities affected”, said Stefano Domenicali, F1 president.
“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the work that the emergency services are doing, who are helping those who need it. They are heroes and all of Italy is proud of them,” he continued.
“The decision that has been made is the right one for everyone in the local communities and also for the F1 family as we need to ensure our safety and not overburden the authorities as they deal with this difficult situation.”
On the other hand, the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has assured: “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 all those involved and recovery efforts are the top priority right now.”
Formula 1 must now travel to the next event on the calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix, which is scheduled for next week.
