F1 Imola GP: Formula 1 Teams and Drivers Support Cancellation of Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Widespread flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region prompted authorities to issue a warning to Formula One personnel to stay away from the racetrack. Residents in the nearby city of Imola were warned to seek higher ground.
By Divyam Dubey
All of the Formula 1 teams and drivers have joined together to show support in many forms, including written messages, videos, official statements, and even just social media posts to cancel this weekend's Grand Prix in Emilia-Romagna because of the natural calamity. Widespread flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region prompted authorities to issue a warning to Formula One personnel to stay away from the racetrack. The nearby city of Imola had to issue an evacuation order for some of its residents. Many local news outlets are reporting that at least 9 people have died and many more have lost their homes in the devastating floods. Since it is very unlikely that the Formula One calendar would be able to accommodate moving the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to a different weekend, the 2023 season will include the same number of races (22) as the 2018 season (22). Due to their closeness to Faenza and the circuit, the AlphaTauri team issued a charitable plea on Wednesday.
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Max Verstappen
Current F1 driver championship leader Max Verstappen posted his message on Twitter in support of people in the Emilia Romagna region. In the post he said, "Max Verstappen and Verstappen.com support the decisions made by F1 and the local authorities to cancel the Grand Prix. Our thoughts are with those affected by the heavy rains. and floods in the greater Emilia Romagna region. We wish you all the strength to ensure your safety during this period."
Statement: 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
— Max Verstappen (@VerstappenCOM) May 17, 2023
Our thoughts are with all those affected in the greater Emilia Romagna region.
Stay safe #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/yr5y7tUQxw
Sergio “Checo” Perez
Max Verstappen's team mate and also championship rival Sergio Perez also shared his own message on Twitter, "All my thoughts and prays 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!"
Scuderia Ferrari
Ferrari tweeted, "We fully support the decision of Formula 1 and the FIA to cancel the Imola GP. 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."
Also Read: F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Imola GP Cancelled Due to Severe Flooding
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
Mercedes tweeted, "The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team fully supports the decision by Formula 1, the FIA, the race promoters, and local authorities to not proceed with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend. 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."
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 17, 2023
Oscar Piastri
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri tweeted, "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!"
