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F1 drivers and teams welcome decision to cancel Imola race

  • Darshan Chokhani
    • Imola, F1

    F1 drivers and teams have backed the FIA decision to cancel the Emilia Romagna GP due to the ongoing flood situation in the region.

    After few days of wait, the FIA came together with the F1 teams and the Emilia Romagna GP promoters to cancel the 2023 grand prix weekend due to the flood situation in the region. Rain has been relentless and has flooded a large chunk of the area.

    Even the Imola circuit hasn’t been spared, especially the FOM compound and the F2 and F3 holding area. Even with couple of days at hand and rain prediction easing by bit, the FIA eventually decided to cancel with the Italian Government not too keen on it either.

    With the amount of resources required to hold a F1 grand prix, the Government and the FIA agree and understand that those are better off to help the people in need rather than divert them for a sporting event which not many would enjoy.

    The grand prix is unlikely to be held again later on in the year due to constraints as the promoters are now eyeing the race’s deal to be extended by a year in 2026. “I am deeply saddened by what is happening in Emilia Romagna,” said Sticchi Damiani. “The cancellation was inevitable in the face of such a dramatic situation. Given the complexity of the calendar, it is reasonable to imagine that the 2023 edition will be held in 2026. But at the moment it is certainly not a priority”.

    Lewis Hamilton: “Hoping everyone in Emilia Romagna is able to stay safe and look out for each other right now. Thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and the amazing emergency services working on the ground. I know we all understand that safety comes first. I can’t wait to see you all at the next race.”

    George Russell: “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.”

    Sergio Perez: “All my thoughts and prays with the people in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna. We’re not racing there this weekend, but hopefully we can get back soon. Please stay safe.”

    Lando Norris: “I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important. Sorry to all the fans, we’ll be back Imola, stay safe.”

    Oscar Piastri: “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.”

    Nico Hulkenberg: “Race weekend in Imola is unfortunately canceled but way more important now: really hope all the people who live in the Emilia-Romagna region stay safe in the next few days.”

    Alexander Albon: “Thoughts are with the people in the Emilia-Romagna region, hoping everyone stays safe.”

    Zhou Guanyu: “Thinking of all those affected during this difficult time. Stay safe.”

    Red Bull: “Following the heavy rain that has been affecting northern Italy, we support the decision taken by F1 to not proceed with the Grand Prix in Imola this weekend. Safety to all those involved and in the region is paramount and has to take priority. Our thoughts are with those affected by the ongoing flooding in Emilia-Romagna and with the emergency teams serving in the region at this difficult time.”

    Alpine: “BWT Alpine F1 Team fully supports the decision taken by F1 to not proceed with the 2023 Emilia-Romagna GP.   Our thoughts are with those who are impacted by the ongoing flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region.”

    McLaren: “F1 has confirmed that the Imola GP has been cancelled due to extreme flooding in the area. Our immediate thoughts are with the people of Emilia-Romagna as the destruction caused by the heavy rain affects the lives of so many here.”

    Haas/Guenther Steiner: “Our entire team’s thoughts are very much with the people affected by the flooding in the Emilia Romagna region – many of our track personnel having already seen for themselves the impact it’s having on the people and the area. We are fully supportive of Formula 1 and the FIA’s decision to not proceed with this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. We will continue to keep the local community in mind, their on-going safety is paramount, and we express our thanks to the authorities and emergency services in the region for their tireless efforts at this challenging time.”

    Alfa Romeo: “F1 is more than a community – it is a family. Let’s all help our friends AlphaTauri as they raise funds for their home region, badly affected by the floods. Our thoughts are with the people of Emilia-Romagna and other affected areas.”

    ACI: “The Automobile Club d’Italia expresses its utmost solidarity with those who, in these dramatic hours, mourn the loss of their loved ones or are forced to leave their homes. It also expresses support and thanks to the state institutions, the Emilia Romagna region, the forces of order and civil protection which, in these difficult days, are doing their utmost to help the population and secure the area. Lastly, thanks go to the more than 3,000 helpers who had arrived at Imola to organise and make the grand prix possible.”

    https://twitter.com/WilliamsRacing/status/1658887974052823044?s=20

    https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1658838104004853763?s=20

    https://twitter.com/VerstappenCOM/status/1658799158436720641?s=20

    https://twitter.com/Carlossainz55/status/1658825539719667717?s=20

    https://twitter.com/pirellisport/status/1658865861824851968?s=20

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