Formula 1 drivers and teams have voiced their support after the series took the rare step of cancelling this weekend’s round of the world championship.
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, which was due to take place at the Imola circuit, has been called off due to the severe flooding which has affected the local area.The cancellation has also affected Formula 2 and Formula 3, whose races will also not go ahead. All three series will be back in action next week as they race in Monaco.
F1 drivers and teams react to Imola race cancellation
Race weekend in Imola is unfortunately cancelled but way more important now: really hope all the people who live in the Emilia-Romagna region stay safe in the next few days!
Nico Hulkenberg
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.
George Russell
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I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important. Sorry to all the fans, we’ll be back Imola, stay safe
Lando Norris
My thoughts are with all the people of the Emilia-Romagna area, affected by the heavy rain and flooding. I am disappointed not to be racing in front of the incredible Italian fans this weekend, but the absolute priority is the safety of those on the ground and the emergency services bravely helping those in need.
Esteban Ocon
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!
Oscar Piastri
All my thoughts and [prayers] 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!
Sergio Perez
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.
Alpine
The decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the flooding in the region.
Williams
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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.
McLaren
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.
Red Bull
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 ongoing 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.
Guenther Steiner, Haas team principal
Due to recent events, Formula One and the FIA have decided in line with advice from the local authorities not to proceed with the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team respects the decision of the organisers.
The safety of our personnel and our fans is paramount. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We look forward to racing next weekend in Monaco.
Mike Krack, Aston Martin team principal
On behalf of everyone working at Scuderia Ferrari I would like to express our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. Emilia-Romagna is our homeland and it’s heartbreaking to see what people are going through at the moment.
Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari, team principal
Following the extreme weather conditions and the emergency situation that led to the choice not to proceed with the Imola GP, Prema Racing wants to express its support and sympathy to those affected.
We are also thankful to the people and personnel working in the relief efforts.
Prema
While it’s a shame we cannot race this weekend, our thoughts are fully with those affected by the flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region.
We’re looking forward to being back racing next weekend in Monaco.
DAMS
This article will be updated
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2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
- The first Formula 1 race cancelled by climate change is unlikely to be the last
- Upgrades delayed and relief for Gasly: How Imola’s cancellation affects the competition
- Imola circuit to refund ticket holders for cancelled grand prix
- “This morning it was obviously much worse”: Why F1 had to call off its Imola race
- Imola GP promoter expects lost race will lead to one-year contract extension
Sonny Crockett (@sonnycrockett)
17th May 2023, 14:07
100% the right decision.
It says a lot about this season though that I’m not particularly disappointed.
Jere (@jerejj)
17th May 2023, 14:48
I fully share everyone’s views & while a cancellation itself is disappointing despite being wholly justified, at least Super Formula in Autopolis gives some motorsport for the upcoming weekend.
Simon
17th May 2023, 17:29
Thank you for your valuable input, as always 🙄
Ben
17th May 2023, 17:51
I don’t know if you’re meaning to be so heartless @jerejj but your comments on these articles are extremely disrespectful.
AntonLivous
17th May 2023, 23:03
I don’t see his comments as disrespectful at all. He made it quite clear that he shares everyone’s concern, then helpfully points out that there’s another race for those of us who’d like to watch another form of motorsport as a replacement. Perhaps in the future, you might add an ‘I find…’ to the beginning of a value judgement, as I’m quite sure that many of us don’t share your opinion.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
18th May 2023, 2:14
Don’t share ben’s opinion either, I’m also disappointed we didn’t get a race, simply because there’s not been much competition this year and we already had 2 cancelled races, so a very long gap between races.