The decision to cancel the Emilia-Romagna Formula 1 Grand Prix due to heavy rains and flooding affecting the area, with a provisional balance of nine dead, several missing and thousands evacuated, has been supported with messages through social networks by both teams and drivers.
"After the heavy rains that have affected northern Italy, we support the decision taken by F1 not to hold the Imola Grand Prix this weekend," said Red Bull, the leader of the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championship.
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The safety of all those affected in the region is paramount and must be given priority. Our thoughts are with those affected by the floods and with the emergency teams working in the region at this very difficult time," the Austrian team added.
Its pilots have also spoken out about it. Dutchman Max Verstappen, the current World Championship leader, wrote: "I support the decision taken by F1 and the local authorities to cancel the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Our thoughts are with those affected by the heavy flooding in the region. We send them all the force to guarantee their safety throughout this period."
"All my thoughts and prayers are with the inhabitants of the Emilia Romagna region. We won't race there this weekend but hopefully we can come back soon. Please stay safe," his teammate, Mexican Sergio Checo Perez, said in English and Italian.
Aston Martin, which is currently racing Spaniard Fernando Alonso, said: "After the heavy rains that have affected northern Italy, we support the decision taken by F1 not to hold the Imola Grand Prix this weekend.
Ferrari said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Emilia-Romagna and Marche as they struggle with the destruction caused by the heavy rains and floods currently affecting the area."
Also, his driver Charles Leclerc released a screenshot with an account in which to deposit money to help those affected and the phrase "Strength and courage in these difficult times".
Mercedes, for its part, said it "fully supports the decision taken." "The safety of the people in the area must be a priority, allowing local authorities and emergency services to continue their vital task of helping those in need. Our thoughts are with the victims, families and communities that have been affected by the floods," the German team said.
Britain's Lewis Hamilton, one of its drivers, said: "I wish everyone in Emilia-Romagna could be safe and take care of each other at this time. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and the sensational emergency teams working in the area. We all understand that safety is a priority. I can't wait to see you all in the next race."
"We regret for the spectators that this weekend's race has been cancelled, but the safety of all those affected has to be a priority. We wish the best to everyone in the Emilia-Romagna region and surrounding areas that have been affected by these floods," McLaren driver Lando Norris said.
"BWT Alpine F1 Team fully supports the decision taken by F1 not to hold the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the flooding in the region."
In the same vein, one of its pilots, Esteban Ocon, said: "My thoughts are with all the people of Emilia-Romagna affected by heavy rains and floods. I'm sorry I can't race in front of the incredible Italian fans this weekend, but the absolute priority is the safety of those in the area and the emergency services who bravely help those in need."
Guenther Steiner, Head of Haas, said: "Our thoughts are with the people affected by the floods in Emilia-Romagna, some of our staff have been able to see for themselves the impact they have had. We fully support the decision of F1 and the FIA not to hold the Grand Prix."
"We will continue to have the local community in our thoughts, their safety from now on is essential and we want to show our gratitude to the authorities and emergency teams in the region for their tireless efforts in these difficult times," he added.
Nico Hülkenberg said: "Unfortunately this weekend's race in Imola has been cancelled but there is something more important now: I wish from the bottom of my heart that all the people living in Emilia-Romagna will be safe in the coming days."
When will the Ímola GP be held?
The last race. In 2022, the triumph was in the hands of Max Verstappen. REUTERS Photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane
In a tight schedule, which has already missed the Chinese Grand Prix - which left a gap of four weeks between Australia and Azerbaijan - a rescheduling of the appointment in Imola.
The next race is in Monaco, on May 28, and the next in Spain, on April 4, after which there is a one-week break to take Formula 1 across the Atlantic Ocean, for the Canadian GP.
Meanwhile, once July begins, the Austrian and British Grands Prix will be run consecutively.
In case a new date is not reassigned to the Emilia Romagna GP, the calendar will be reduced from 24 to 22 dates, since the Chinese GP, which was scheduled for April 16 and was not played due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in the country, was previously canceled.
This is the 2023 calendar after the cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna GP
March 5: Bahrain GP, won by Max Verstappen
March 19: Saudi Arabian GP, won by Sergio Pérez
April 2: Australian GP, won by Max Verstappen
April 16, Chinese GP, canceled due to difficulties linked to Covid 19
April 30: Azerbaijan GP, won by Sergio Pérez
May 7: Miami GP, won by Max Verstappen
May 21: GP of Emilia-Romagna, cancelled due to flooding
May 28: Monaco GP
June 4: Spanish GP (Barcelona)
June 18: Canadian GP (Montreal)
July 2: Austrian GP (Spielberg)
July 9: UK GP (Silverstone)
July 23: Hungarian GP (Budapest)
July 30: Belgian GP (Spa-Francorchamps)
August 27: Dutch GP (Zandvoort)
September 3: Italian GP (Monza)
September 17: Singapore GP
September 24: Japanese GP (Suzuka)
October 8: Qatar GP (Losail)
October 22: United States GP (Austin)
October 29: Mexican GP (Mexico)
November 5: Brazilian GP (Sao Paulo)
November 18: Las Vegas GP
November 26: Abu Dhabi GP (Yas Marina)
With information from EFE
See also