The death toll from floods that hit northeastern Italy on Tuesday and Wednesday and has been exacerbated by a drought in the region since 2022 has now reached 13 and left an estimated 20,000 homeless.

A total of 23 rivers – including the Santerno, which flows within meters of the Imola paddocks – burst their banks after heavy rains in the region earlier this week, with excess water surging, including in the high mountains of the south-west.

In response to the situation, the Imola race was canceled and a limited number of F1 personnel – many of whom had already been on site to build the paddock and infrastructure around the track – were allowed to return to dismantle the structures installed and the race in a few weeks’ time. Start heading to Monaco before the next game.

In addition to financial donations, it is understood that F1, along with 10 teams and the Imola circuit organization, donated the food they brought to a food bank established for those affected by the floods. .

rainy morning in the yard

Photography: Erik Junius

“I was born and raised in this amazing land of Emilia Romagna, a place that has gone through some of the saddest moments in its history,” said Imola native F1 CEO Stefano Domenica Lee said.

“The situation facing the communities in the region is dire, but I know that the resilience and passion of the people of the region, like many across Italy, will overcome this crisis.

“During this difficult time, we must do everything we can to support them, which is why we
Donations are being made to help support local relief efforts.

“On behalf of the entire Formula 1 community, my thoughts are with all those affected and we would like to thank the emergency services for a fantastic job.”

On Thursday, Ferrari – based outside Bologna in Emilia-Romagna’s northwest just 55 miles from Imola – also donated 1 million euros to the Emilia-Romagna region’s Department of Homeland Security and Civil Protection .