Formula One and local organizers called off the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on Wednesday as torrential rain and flooding caused devastation across the northern Italian region.
"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," F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said.
F1's tweet on May 17 about the cancellation of the race in Imola. /@F1
The race was scheduled to be the sixth round of the season and the first in Europe.
Ferrari joined other drivers and teams in supporting the cancellation.
"Even though it's our home race and therefore even more important to us, the main priority at the moment has to be the safety of all those living and working in the affected areas," the Italian team said in a statement.
Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (#11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, April 24, 2022. /CFP
Mercedes seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton told fans on social media: "We wish we could be racing but this is definitely the right decision."
"We support the decision... safety to all those involved and in the region is paramount and has to take priority," Red Bull Racing said on Twitter.
(With input from Reuters)