2023-05-19 02:58:04
Northern Italy is grappling with conditions described as ‘apocalyptic’ that have so far destroyed homes, claimed lives and turned roads into rushing rivers. According to the latest reports, nine people are dead in the Emilia-Romagna regions, with dozens more missing.
As a result, Formula 1 issued a statement on 17 May 2023 saying that it would not proceed with the Grand Prix weekend scheduled for Sunday 21 May.
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“Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the relevant authorities (including the relevant ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of the Emilia-Romagna region, the Mayor of the city and the promoter) the decision was taken to not proceed with the Grand Prix weekend,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, local authorities and F1 Imola organizers met and concluded that the event scheduled for May 21 should be cancelled. Fourteen rivers in the affected regions burst their banks, flooding twenty-three neighboring towns in unrecognizable proportions, local authorities said.
According to Formula 1, the decision was taken because it was impossible to hold the event safely for its fans, teams and personnel. More importantly, it was the right thing to do, considering the devastating effects on cities across the region.
“The decision that has been made is the right one for everyone in the local communities and for the F1 family as we need to ensure safety and not create an extra burden for the authorities as they deal with this dire situation.” Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said.
Northern Italy is experiencing inverse climate change, from severe drought to torrential rain. Based on new reports, there is no electricity in the affected towns and some residents have been forced to seek refuge in local gyms and public facilities across Emilia-Romagna.
Emergency services teams and volunteers arrived in the Emilia-Romagna region to help with rescue operations.
Via an Instagram post, Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton sent messages of support to flood victims, supporting the decision to cancel the expected Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.
Via its Instagram account, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team also sent a statement supporting the cancellation decision by Formula 1 and the FIA.
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