Hamilton hails Tsunoda Imola crisis response: 'Leading by example'

Lewis Hamilton has heaped praise on Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese driver's efforts to help those affected by flooding in Italy's Emilia Romagna region.

F1 was forced to cancel its return to Imola last weekend due to the situation in surrounding areas, with lives being lost in the environmental disaster.

AlphaTauri is based in Faenza in Emilia Romagna and in the days following the announcement that the race was called off, Tsunoda was pictured helping the relief efforts by clearing streets.

Tsunoda and teammate Nyck de Vries have taken part in a campaign by the team to bring awareness of the tragic situation the region faces, with the help of famous faces including Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, musician Wyclef Jean and footballer Fabio Borini.

"Emilia Romagna is still in a really bad situation. Please help if you can. Stay strong, Emilia Romagna," said Tsunoda.

Commenting on AlphaTauri's post, Hamilton said: "Thinking of all you at the team and your families. Sending prayers of warmth and hope that this passes soon."

The seven-time World Champion posted to his Instagram story, adding: "Big up to Yuki and team for leading by example and helping out on the ground."

The F1 community has responded to the floods with a number of events over the weekend to benefit the relief effort.

F1 and Ferrari each donated €1million to victims, whilst Williams set up its own charity race for what would have been qualifying day at Imola with drivers including Alex Albon, Team Principal James Vowles and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibault Courtois.

Max Verstappen also set up a sim racing event with Team Redline that saw a host of Red Bull-affiliated drivers joined by names from virtual and real-world racing - including Lando Norris, who created havoc when joining midway through.