'Safety is absolute priority': F1 drivers, teams support decision to cancel Imola GP

In a rare turn of events, Formula 1 found itself at a point where it had to cancel a race, this time the Imola Grand Prix in Italy.

The Emilia-Romagna region where the race is staged has experienced severe rainstorms since the beginning of May, with the Imola circuit and the surrounding areas being flooded.

According to reports given by the emergency services at the scenes, eight people have lost their lives and more than 5 000 people have been evacuated.

It's a tough situation the sport finds itself in, but it's made more personal by the fact that many of the teams' members are from the region or have family there. F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali is among those, having grown up there.

"The decision that has been taken is the right one for everyone in the local communities and the F1 family as we need to ensure safety and not create extra burden for the authorities while they deal with this very awful situation," Domenicali said.

yea, this is bad ?? #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/aGJjUo85S2

Supporting the decision

Though some might feel that F1 should have taken another day or two before deciding to call off the race, the situation would not have improved, with more rain expected over the race weekend.

Teams and drivers are more than in support of the sport's decision to call off the race, with Red Bull saying on its official Twitter account that they "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."

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