This weekend’s Formula One Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola has been called off due to flooding surrounding the local area, the series announced Wednesday morning.
With heavy rainfall arriving Tuesday night, the circuit was evacuated as a precaution earlier in the day following a red weather alert warning of floods and landslides in the area.
With the Santerno river running adjacent to the 3.051-mile circuit, concerns of overflowing arose.
F-1 released a statement Wednesday morning.
“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 decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola#EmiliaRomagnaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/4taauGnFEA
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 17, 2023
The event was slated to be the sixth race of the season, following the Miami Grand Prix two weeks ago, won by Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.
“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,” Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said.
“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 F-1 family as we need to ensure safety and not create extra burden for the authorities while they deal with this very awful situation.”