Why has the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix been cancelled?

The 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will not be going ahead this weekend after Formula 1, in discussion with various authorities, decided to call it off.

It means round six of the season will not be taking place at Imola this weekend, with the next round currently set for Monaco on May 28th.

But why has the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix been cancelled?

2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix called off

The decision was taken on Wednesday 17th May to call off the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix owing to severe flooding and rainfall in the region.

Extreme weather has hit this part of Italy over recent weeks, and in Grand Prix week, conditions have got worse, leading to local towns and motorways flooding while F1 personnel were told not to arrive to enter the paddock.

As such, F1 felt the race could not go ahead - with F1 chief Stefano Domenicali highlighting the fact that the Grand Prix would take vital emergency services away from the rescue and relief efforts.

"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," he said in an F1 statement.

Those involved in calling the Grand Prix off include FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem, the Italian government, the Italian Automobile Club President, local politicians and the race promoter.