F1: The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled

Following a discussion between Formula 1, the FIA, and the authorities, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled.

The decision was taken on Wednesday morning after an extreme amount of rain has flooded the region. Formula 1 did not feel that it would not be possible to safely hold the event during the weekend.

Formula 1 personnel were instructed to leave the track on Tuesday before they were told to stay away on Wednesday. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in Northern Italy due to the floods. A red weather warning was sent out to residents with a 150mm average of rainfall by Wednesday.

The organisers did not want to put more pressure on the emergency services who are already working tirelessly. Formula 1 is looking to reschedule the race for a later date but it is looking unlikely. 

Rain is expected to continue throughout the weekend and will continue until the middle of next week. The teams will head to Monaco for the next race of the season, where all teams are expected to race.

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.

“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the incredible emergency services who are working tirelessly to help those who need help and alleviate the situation – they are heroes and the whole of Italy is proud of them.

“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.”

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.”

Image credit: Pirelli