F1 2023: Imola Grand Prix cancelled due to bad weather

Heavy flooding in the Imola region has forced the F1 to make a drastic call on this weekend’s race as safety concerns rise in the area.

F1 Imola GP could be cancelled.

Sunday’s Emilia Romagna GP has been cancelled due to heavy flooding in the region.

All staff were told to stay away from the track today after being evacuated yesterday.

And F1 confirmed today that the race is off, saying “it is not possible to safely hold the event”.

A statement read: “The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region.

“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 at Imola.

The region has been struck by dangerous levels of flooding. (Photo by Alessandro SERRANO / AFP)

And FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “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.”

In an Instagram story, Mercedes driver George Russell said the safety of those involved must come first.

He wrote: “Sorry for the fans that this weekend’s race has been cancelled but the safety of everyone involved always has to come first.

“Wishing all the best to everyone in the Emilia-Romagna region and surrounding areas that have been affected by these floods.”

My thoughts are with those affected by the floods in the Emilia-Romagna region. Sorry to all the fans that we won’t be able to compete, I look forward to my first race at Imola in the future. Stay safe! https://t.co/jMVOUsZJ0r

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) May 17, 2023

Statement: 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Our thoughts are with all those affected in the greater Emilia Romagna region.

Stay safe 🙏#ImolaGPpic.twitter.com/yr5y7tUQxw

— Max Verstappen (@VerstappenCOM) May 17, 2023

The BBC say F1 will look to see if the race can be rescheduled, but the busy 23-race calendar means it is thought to be unlikely.

The vast amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of this weekend’s venue underwater.

Mohammed ben Sulayem (R), FIA President, sent his best wishes to those impacted by the floods. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Sending all our love to everyone in the Emilia-Romagna region right now. ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/jWOFHTwkO8

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 17, 2023

The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is located right next to the Santerno river.

And there is a red weather warning in place as adverse conditions continue to batter the region.

Thursday is forecast to be dry at the track, but rain is expected to return over the weekend.

The situation could impact the Monaco GP, which is scheduled for next week.

The logistics of packing down from Imola in poor conditions and getting out on the already congested and closed roads could prove to be difficult. This weekend’s GP is the first of three races in three weeks, with the Spanish GP in Barcelona set to follow after Emilia Romagna and Monaco.

Originally published by The Sun UK.