The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, set to take place at Imola, has been called off due to severe floods wreaking havoc in the northern Italian region. The decision was made in light of the unsafe conditions faced by the affected towns and cities. The cancellation poses challenges for rescheduling on an already packed Formula One calendar, which originally had 24 events but now stands at 22. Italy’s civil protection agency issued a red alert weather warning for the region, and the race was postponed to prioritize emergency response efforts.
The Imola circuit, located near the Santerno river, saw rising water levels, although the paddock remained unaffected by flooding. However, surrounding areas, including car parks and access roads, were submerged. Tragically, at least eight people lost their lives, and thousands were forced to evacuate from their homes in various towns and cities across the region.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali, who has personal ties to Imola, expressed his agreement with the decision to cancel the race. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Domenicali emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and not overburdening the authorities during this distressing period.
Last year’s race at Imola drew a significant crowd, with 129,000 spectators attending over the weekend and 64,000 on race day. However, in light of the ongoing emergency, Ferrari and other teams fully supported the cancellation, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the floods.
Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, acknowledged the decision on social media, expressing support and emphasizing the correctness of prioritizing safety over racing.
As a precautionary measure, Formula One personnel were asked to vacate the circuit, and the paddock remained closed. Although the cars were not scheduled to hit the track until Friday, advance teams and technical staff had already arrived to set up the garages and hospitality areas.
The Imola Grand Prix was intended to be the first leg of a triple-header, followed by races in Monaco and Spain. Red Bull Racing, currently dominating the season with wins in all races, supported the decision, underscoring the paramount importance of safety for everyone involved.
Imola F1 Ticket Holders to Receive Full Refund for Cancelled Race
Formula 1 fans who purchased tickets for the cancelled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will receive a complete refund, according to organizers. Unprecedented rainfall in the Emilia-Romagna region led to severe flooding, including the area surrounding the Imola circuit.
Following discussions between F1, FIA, and local organizers and authorities, the decision was made to cancel the event in order to focus on emergency relief efforts for the affected population.
Given the controversy surrounding the refund issue at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, where fans were unable to claim a refund due to a technically defined ‘race’ behind the safety car, questions arose regarding the eligibility of ticket holders for refunds.
However, the event organizers acted swiftly to address concerns by confirming that all ticket holders would be eligible for a refund. Alternatively, they could choose to convert their 2023 tickets to next year’s race.
“All buyers who have purchased tickets through the sales network and the ticketone.it purchasing platform will have the opportunity to convert their purchased tickets to the 2024 event or receive an economic reimbursement,” announced the organizers on Imola’s website. Ticket One is the official ticketing platform of the Italian federation.
Due to force majeure, the Imola race promoters will not be required to pay the agreed fee of approximately $20 million to FOM. This differs from the situation at Spa in 2021, where refunds were not possible due to contractual obligations.
Promoter ACI recently signed a three-year contract extension, ensuring the event’s presence on the calendar until 2025. However, it is now likely that the contract will be adjusted, moving the 2023 edition to 2026, as finding a suitable date later this season seems improbable.
Further details regarding the refund process will be communicated via email in the coming days by ACI Sport, a subsidiary of the Automobile Club of Italy, considering the ongoing emergency situation in the region.
AlphaTauri Driver Nyck de Vries Grateful for Support During Imola Flood Struggles
Nyck de Vries, the AlphaTauri Formula 1 driver, expresses his gratitude for the assistance he received during the recent flood struggles in Imola. The challenging conditions and heavy rainfall in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region disrupted transportation and led to evacuations.
De Vries took to Instagram to recount his difficulties in reaching his team’s factory in Faenza on Tuesday. The road closures and mudslides made it impossible for him to reach his hotel, but a McLaren pit crew member kindly provided him with an alternative room.
The next morning, the hotel lobby served as an emergency shelter for those displaced from their homes due to the flooding. With the cancellation of the race confirmed on Wednesday, De Vries faced challenges leaving the area but eventually found a cross-country route with the help of local people and authorities.
De Vries extends his heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals who assisted him, emphasizing the heartwarming unity displayed in such difficult times. His thoughts are with those still affected by the tragedy, and he looks forward to returning to Faenza to meet his team and the local community.
While the decision to call off the Grand Prix has garnered widespread support from F1 drivers and teams, concerns arise regarding the rescheduling of the race given the crowded calendar.
