Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Cancelled
The decision by the FIA to cancel the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been met with support by teams and drivers throughout Formula 1. The unprecedented move was brought on by severe weather conditions in the region, which posed significant risks of flooding. The focus now turns to the affected people in the area and the remarkable efforts of emergency services to rescue people caught up in the floods.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion expressed that he thought Formula 1 had made the right decision. “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. Can’t wait to see you all at the next race.” He was also support by the current world champion, Max Verstappen. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the severe rainfall and flooding in the greater Emilia-Romagna region. We wish you all strength to ensure your safety throughout this period.”
Team Ferrari has felt the blow of the cancellation more than other teams as their base in Maranello is just 50 miles away from the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. “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.”
George Russell reiterated the thoughts of the other drivers “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.”
Statement from the FIA
The FIA released a statement saying “The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region. It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
The decision came after Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and transport minister, called for the postponement of the race. He emphasised the need to concentrate on the emergency. Rather than using emergency workers for the race itself, they would be better redirecting those resources towards relief efforts.
The cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix disrupts Formula 1‘s plans for a triple-header, with races scheduled to follow in Monaco and Spain. Given the logistics it would take to rearrange a cancelled race, it is unlikely that it will be rearranged for a different date. This means that the total number of races for the season may decrease from 23 to 22.
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Monaco Grand Prix
26th-28th May
Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
Austrian Grand Prix
30th June-2nd July
Spielberg, Austria
British Grand Prix
7th-9th July
Silverstone, UK
Dutch Grand Prix
25th-27th August
Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands
Qatar Grand Prix
6th-8th October
Losail, Qatar
Las Vegas Grand Prix
16th-18th November
Las Vegas, Nevada
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
24th-26th November
Abu Dhabi