Formula 1's grid of teams and drivers have backed the decision to call off this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
Northern Italy has been hit once again by heavy downpours that have led to flooding and landslides in the region.
Emergency services and rescue crews are hard at work with relief efforts and helping thousands who have been forced to leave their homes.
At the end of the day, common sense and humanitarian concerns prevailed, with Formula 1 and all those involved in the organization of next weekend's event taking the only sensible decision possible by calling off the sixth round of the 2023 F1 World Championship.
And the support on social media from teams and drivers for the decision has been unanimous, starting with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
George Russell: "Wishing all the best to everyone in the Emilia-Romagna region and surrounding areas that have been affected by these floods".
Lando Norris: "I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important. Sorry to all the fans, we’ll be back Imola, stay safe".
Esteban Ocon: "My thoughts are with all the people of the Emilia-Romagna area, affected by the heavy rain and flooding. 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."
Nico Hulkenberg: "Race weekend in Imola is unfortunately cancelled but way more important now: really hope all the people who live in the Emilia-Romagna region stay safe in the next few days!"
Oscar Piastri: "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!"
Among F1's teams, Scuderia AlphaTauri was obviously particularly concerned by the welfare of its crew members given that the team's headquarters in Faenza is located in the heart of the Emilia Romagna region.
Red Bull Racing:
"Following the heavy rain that has been affecting northern Italy, we support the decision taken by F1 to not proceed with the Grand Prix in Imola this weekend. Safety to all those involved and in the region is paramount and has to take priority. Our thoughts are with those affected by the ongoing flooding in Emilia-Romagna and with the emergency teams serving in the region at this difficult time."
McLaren F1:
"F1 has confirmed that the Imola GP has been cancelled due to extreme flooding in the area. Our immediate thoughts are with the people of Emilia-Romagna as the destruction caused by the heavy rain affects the lives of so many here."
Scuderia ferrari - Frederic Vasseur - team prinicpal:
"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 ae going through at the moment."
Haas F1 Team - Guenther Steiner, team principal:
"Our entire team’s thoughts are very much with the people affected by the flooding in the Emilia Romagna region – many of our track personnel having already seen for themselves the impact it’s having on the people and the area. We are fully supportive of Formula 1 and the FIA’s decision to not proceed with this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
"We will continue to keep the local community in mind, their ongoing safety is paramount, and we express our thanks to the authorities and emergency services in the region for their tireless efforts at this challenging time."
Aston Martin F1 - Mike Krack, team principal:
"Due to recent events, Formula One and the FIA have decided in line with advice from the local authorities not to proceed with the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team respects the decision of the organisers.
"The safety of our personnel and our fans is paramount. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We look forward to racing next weekend in Monaco."
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team:
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