Italy's severe flooding: Formula 1 cancelled, rescues continue

The 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been called off following torrential rain in Italy.

The region of Emilia Romagna has been hit by heavy rain and severe flooding for weeks, but the renewed rounds of rain in recent days have worsened the situation further.

What was set to be the sixth race of the season in Imola, in the Emilia Romagna region, has been canceled due to the severity of the weather situation and is unlikely to be rescheduled.

This follows the paddock being evacuated on Tuesday, May 16th, with Formula 1 personnel warned to stay away from the circuit.

While the weather is generally set to improve in the coming days, the current situation is unsafe. The Italian authorities have placed the Emilia Romagna region under a red threat-level warning due to the risk of flooding and landslides.

Five people have been killed by the flooding in the wider region, with over five thousand residents evacuated after almost 5 inches of rain fell in 36 hours.