Teams support Imola cancellation

Teams have thrown their support behind Formula 1’s decision to cancel the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

With the Emilia Romagna region in the middle of a tragic flood and parts of the F1 paddock under water, F1 made the call not to go racing at the famous Autodromo Internazionale Enzo E Dino Ferrari circuit.

Precautionary orders to evacuate the track first arrived on Tuesday as fears grew of flooding from the nearby Santerno River, which snakes its way directly along the track from the bottom at Rivazza in the north west all the way to Tosa in the south east.

Emilia Romagna becomes the second race on the original 2023 calendar to get called off alongside China, which did not go ahead due to COVID-19 concerns.

Much like the race due to be held at Shanghai in April, Imola is unlikely to be rescheduled due to the congested calendar.

Despite the natural disappointment of not racing at such a famous track, all F1 teams were united in their support for the cancellation, with focus on the safety of the people within the heavily affected Emilia Romagna region.

“We fully support the decision of Formula 1 and the FIA to cancel the Imola GP,” read a statement from home-team Ferrari.

“Even though it’s our home race and therefore even more important to us, the main priority at the moment has to be the safety of all those living and working in the affected areas.”

“Our entire team’s thoughts are very much with the people affected by the flooding in the Emilia Romagna region,” said Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

“Many of our track personnel have already seen for themselves the impact it is having on the people and the area.

“We are fully supportive of Formula 1 and the FIA’s decision not to proceed with this weekend’s Grand Prix.

“We express our thanks to the authorities and emergency services in the region for their tireless efforts at this challenging time.”

“I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important,” said McLaren’s Lando Norris.

“Sorry to all of the fans, we will be back Imola. Stay safe.”

“My thoughts are with all the people of the Emilia Romagna area, affected by the heavy rain and flooding,” said Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

“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.”

“The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team fully supports the decision by Formula 1, the FIA, race promoters and local authorities to not proceed with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix,” read a Mercedes statement.

“The safety of people in the Emilia Romagna region must take priority, alongside allowing local authorities and emergency services to continue their vital work helping those in need.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, families and communities who have been affected by the flooding in the region.”

Formula 1 will return to the track on the famous streets of Monte Carlo on May 26-28.

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