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      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2023 cancelled — Imola race is axed as course flooded & 5 in region left dead – latest news

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      THIS year’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled after extreme weather in the region caused the Imola circuit to FLOOD.The north-Italian region has taken a battering from adverse weather conditions – leaving officials no choice but to cancel Sunday’s Emilia Romagna GP.
      Yesterday circuit bosses evacuated the paddock due to flood risks and all staff were told to stay away from the track until further notice – but the weekend of F1 has now been officially halted.
      A statement read: “The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region. We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need.”
      It continued to explain the decision had been taken “because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region”.
      Read our Emilia Romagna Grand Prix blog below for the latest updates…
      This blog has now closed…
      This blog has now been closed but you can follow all of the latest updates on the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix here.
      FIA President says ‘recovery efforts are the top priority at this time’
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “My thoughts and those of the entire FIA family are with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia Romagna region.
      “The safety of everyone involved and recovery efforts are the top priority at this time.”
      In pictures: Emilia Romagna region flooded
      This weekend’s Emilia Romagna GP has been CANCELLED due to heavy flooding in the region.
      The vast amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of this weekend’s venue underwater.
      The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is located right next to the Santerno river.
      And there is a red weather warning in place as adverse conditions continue to batter the region.

      McLaren share their thoughts
      McLaren and their drivers have shown sympathy to the people of Emilia Romagna as they agree with the decision to cancel the Grand Prix weekend.
      F1 podium sitter Lando Norris said: “I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important. Sorry to all the fans, we’ll be back Imola, stay safe.”
      Meanwhile, rookie Oscar Piastri posted: “My thoughts are with those affected by the floods in the Emilia-Romagna region. Sorry to all the fans that we won’t be able to compete, I look forward to my first race at Imola in the future. Stay safe!”
      F1 has confirmed that the #ImolaGP has been cancelled due to extreme flooding in the area.Our immediate thoughts are with the people of Emilia-Romagna as the destruction caused by the heavy rain affects the lives of so many here. pic.twitter.com/VCgtiCIRT5— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 17, 2023

      Lewis Hamilton can’t wait for next race as safety comes first
      Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton understands that safety comes first and so the Grand Prix couldn’t go ahead this weekend.
      On his Instagram stories he said: “Hoping everyone in Emilia Romagna is able to stay safe and look out for each other right now. Thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and the amazing emergency services working on the ground.
      “I know we all understand that safety comes first. I can’t wait to see you all at the next race.”
      AlphaTauri makes appeal for funds
      Scuderia AlphaTauri have their factory located in Faenza in the region of Emilia Romagna.
      They have appealed for followers to give donations to help those affected by the flooding and significant rainfall.
      It also posted today: “Scuderia AlphaTauri is very concerned about events unfolding over the past hours in Faenza and indeed in the whole Emilia-Romagna area, with flooding and heaving rain causing considerable damage.
      “The team’s factory is currently unaffected and everything is being done to ensure the safety of our employees and their families. Our sympathies go out to all those affected and we continue to monitor the situation, to see what can be done to help those in need as we await further developments.”
      unfortunately, our town of Faenza has once again experienced significant rainfall and subsequent flooding if anyone wishes to help those affected, you can do so by following the instructions below pic.twitter.com/rdXt4lQVHZ— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) May 17, 2023

      Emilia Romagna Grand Prix might not take place at all
      According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the president of the ACI, – Automobile Club d’Italia – Angelo Sticchi Damiani, said that the Grand Prix will not take place in 2023.
      Some suggested it might take place in August while Chris Medland said that the possibility of it not happening at all this year is more likely.
      Ferrari has home GP cancelled
      Scuderia Ferrari were hoping to redeem themselves on home soil this weekend after a terrible start to their 2023 campaign.
      However, they will have to wait until Charles Leclerc’s home race in Monaco next weekend to do so.
      Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Emilia-Romagna and Marche as they deal with the destruction caused by the heavy rain and flooding currently affecting the area.— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 17, 2023

      George Russell agrees ‘safety of everyone involved always has to come first’
      Mercedes and British driver George Russell agreed with Formula One’s decision to cancel the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
      He agreed that the safety of those involved is priority while he wished to those living in the region and being affected by the floods.
      Mercedes was looking forward to this weekend as they were about to take the “first step” with upgrades to get on the road to challenge rivals, Red Bull.
      Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin said how they’ve been looking into development – mostly aerodynamically – since the pre-season testing in Bahrain.
      He said: “What we are going to be bringing to the track in Imola is the first step of that work. This takes quite a long time to develop in the wind tunnel, you can’t just do these things overnight.
      “But the Imola package is the first step in that direction. We are hoping to bring other updates later in the year. We do hope it is quicker, we hope it is better in terms of qualifying and race pace.
      “But, as I said, the key thing is not just looking to bring a lap time update. We are looking to head off in a different development direction, one that we think gives us a better chance in the long term of being able to challenge for race wins and world championships.”
      Will the Grand Prix be rescheduled?
      While Giuliano Duchessa earlier said that the Imola might be held in August, F1 journalist Chris Medland suggest otherwise.
      He wrote: “The focus is on the relief effort in the region now. Calendar is packed for the rest of this year so unlikely it will be rescheduled but F1 hasn’t completely ruled that out at this time. Priority was a decision on this weekend.”
      Fans in agreement
      Throughout the past years, fans were frustrated with some of the FIA’s decisions.
      Most notably that of Spa 2021 – when fans were allowed to the track only to see a lap behind a safety car – and Suzuka 2022 – when fans were left in the rain for hours before they even got to see any action.
      The FIA’s decision to put safety first and cancel the Grand Prix weekend has been taken down well by most fans with many hailing the decision on Twitter.
      One wrote: “The right decision. Sad for the fans who won’t be able to see f1 in person this weekend but it’s too dangerous to be in the area. My thoughts are with everyone affected.”
      Many more comments followed applauding the FIA and Formula 1.
      F1 personnel advised to remain away from the paddock
      Sky Sports F1 reported that Formula 1 personnel were asked not to go to the paddock on Wednesday as concerns rise over heavy rain hitting Imola this weekend.
      It comes after journalist Nate Saunders reported how overnight, Alpine workers had to find a new hotel.
      He tweeted last night: “Heard Alpine have had to leave Imola hotel as a precaution tonight. Don’t think they’re the only team. Teams/media advised not to travel to paddock tomorrow as a precaution. But too early to speculate about status of the race.”
      He later on added: “Clarification here: Am told bulk of the main team out there not affected yet, but handful of Alpine guys have had to look for another hotel due to weather.”
      Words from FIA Presiden Mohammed Ben Sulayem
      “My thoughts and those of the entire FIA family are with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia Romagna region.
      “The safety of everyone involved and recovery efforts are the top priority at this time.”
      Statement from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali
      “It is such a tragedy to see what has happened to Imola and Emilia-Romagna, the town and region that I grew up in, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding and the families and communities affected.
      “I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the incredible emergency services who are working tirelessly to help those who need help and alleviate the situation – they are heroes and the whole of Italy is proud of them.
      “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.”
      Formula One announces cancellation of Grand Prix

      BREAKING: IMOLA CANCELLED
      Formula One confirmed that after discussing the situation with authorities, it has been decided that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been cancelled.
      Grand Prix might be hosted in August
      Italian journalist Giuliano Duchessa is reporting that the talks around the paddock are that the Grand Prix may be moved to August from 4 till 6.
      During this period, the FIA will be on the necessary Formula One summer break, in which no team is allowed to work on the cars or anything related to the season.
      The break will only be disturbed for the three days of the Grand Prix.
      Tens of thousands of people in region without signal or power
      Civil Protection Minister Nello Musemeci said some 5,000 people had been evacuated and that around 50,000 were without electricity.
      And more than 100,000 have been left without mobile phone or landline use.
      Meeting with authorities currently taking place
      It’s been reported that the TV compound of the FOM has flooded too.
      This includes all technology which is necessary for TV broadcasts.
      Meanwhile, authorities are in talks about whether the Grand Prix is to go ahead or not.
      ⚠️| This is the latest picture from the track.It looks like even the TV compound of the FOM is flooded (on the left), this is where all the technology/IT for the TV broadcasts is located. The meeting with the authorities is currently taking place. Ahead of an official… pic.twitter.com/4S5UcagBdi— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) May 17, 2023

      Three dead and 5,000 evacuated in Emilia Romagna region
      Civil Protection Minister Nello Musemeci confirmed three people had been killed and some 5,000 people evacuated.
      The deputy chief of the agency, Titti Postiglione, said rescue operations for those needing emergency evacuations were particularly difficult given so many roads and routes were flooded and some cell phone service interrupted. Speaking on Sky TG24, she noted that the affected flood zone covered a broad swath of four provinces which, until the heavy rains, had been parched by a prolonged drought.
      Some regional train routes remained suspended Wednesday around Bologna and Ravenna, with severe delays elsewhere, the Italian state railway said.
      Premier Giorgia Meloni, who was traveling home from the G-7 meeting in Japan, said the government was monitoring the situation and was prepared to approve emergency aid.
      Italian minister calls for race to be postponed
      This weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix race in Imola should be postponed because of deadly storms in northern Italy, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said on Wednesday.
      Salvini said in a statement it was “imperative to concentrate all efforts on coping with the emergency”, including avoiding a traffic overload in the area, which has been battered by bad weather in recent days.
      Emergency services have been out helping people in need
      Storms have already triggered flooding and the circuit is perilously close to the river Santerno, which is rapidly rising.
      In some areas cars have been submerged by water and emergency services are out in boats to help people in need.

      Scene from the track
      Albert Fabrega, a well-known Formula 1 presenter and analyst, tweeted pics from the circuit this morning.
      He wrote: “Good morning. I get these images of Imola.
      “The F1 paddock and pits are ok. The lower areas like F2 are with a lot of water.
      “Today staff have been prohibited from going to the circuit until they are notified.”
      Buenos días. Me llegan estas imágenes de Imola. El paddock y boxes de F1 están ok. Las zonas más bajas como F2 están con mucha agua. Hoy se ha prohibido al personal ir al circuito hasta que sean avisados. #f1 #EmiliaRomagnaGP pic.twitter.com/jzDnRqP54p— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) May 17, 2023

      In pictures: Emilia Romagna region flooded
      The Emilia-Romagna region has been hit by floods after weeks of wet weather.
      Sunday’s Emilia Romagna GP could be in doubt.
      The amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of the venue underwater.

      What other measures can they take?
      By Ben Hunt, F1 correspondent
      The sensible option would be to make this a non-spectator event.
      Cutting the risk factor of having people stuck at the track, plus it would also ease congestion allowing teams and emergency services to operate safely and effectively.
      Load more entries… More

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      Why is the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled?

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      THE F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was expected to take place this weekend in Italy, but that is no longer the case. Max Verstappen and Red Bull were hoping to pick up another big win as the Dutchman goes in search of a third F1 championship title.
      Floods have torn through the region where the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is heldCredit: AFP
      But he will have to wait a little longer for those coveted points at the top of the table.
      The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been CANCELLED this weekend, and the Monaco GP on May 28 is also at risk of being axed.
      Why is the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled?
      The F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, due to take place on Saturday, May 21, has been called off due to huge floods in the area.
      All staff were told to stay away from the track today after being evacuated yesterday.

      The vast amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of the venue underwater.
      The circuit is located right next to the Santerno river.
      A statement read: “The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region.
      “We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities – including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia-Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter – the decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend at Imola.
      “The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region.
      “It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
      It is not yet known when the race will be moved to, but if it is next weekend, then the Monaco Grand Prix will also have to be moved.
      The F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has been called off due to heavy floodsCredit: AFP
      Huge floods have decimated the Emilia Romagna regionCredit: AFP More

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      Emilia Romagna GP CANCELLED after massive floods force Imola F1 track to close – and it could even affect Monaco race

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      SUNDAY’S Emilia Romagna GP has been CANCELLED due to heavy flooding in the region.All staff were told to stay away from the track today after being evacuated yesterday.
      Flooding in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy means Sunday’s F1 Grand Prix has been cancelledCredit: EPA
      Heavy rain has fallen in the areaCredit: EPA
      An aerial view of the region, where rain is predicted to continue to fallCredit: Rex
      The Santerno river runs right next to the circuit in ImolaCredit: AFP
      Emergency services have been evacuating people from their homes and while the race track itself was not flooded, the nearby river is close to bursting its banks.
      And F1 confirmed today that the race is off, saying “it is not possible to safely hold the event”.
      The drivers were originally expected to arrive at the circuit tomorrow, with the first practice session due to be held on Friday.

      But now the entire weekend has been cancelled.
      Read More In F1
      An F1 statement read: “The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region.
      “We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need.
      “Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities – including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia-Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter – the decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend at Imola.
      “The decision has been taken because it is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel and it is the right and responsible thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time.”
      And FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “My thoughts and those of the entire FIA family are with those affected by the terrible situation in the Emilia Romagna region.
      “The safety of everyone involved and recovery efforts are the top priority at this time
      In an Instagram story, Brit F1 legend Lewis Hamilton said his thoughts are with those caught up in the floods.
      He wrote: “Hoping everyone in Emilia Romagna is able to stay safe and look out for each other right now. Thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and the amazing emergency services working on the ground.
      “I know we all understand that safety comes first. I can’t wait to see you all at the next race.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell said the safety of those involved must come first.
      He wrote: “Sorry for the fans that this weekend’s race has been cancelled but the safety of everyone involved always has to come first.
      “Wishing all the best to everyone in the Emilia-Romagna region and surrounding areas that have been affected by these floods.”
      And fellow Brit Lando Norris wrote: “I love racing, but the safety of everyone else is more important.
      “Sorry to all the fans, we’ll be back Imona, stay safe.”
      The BBC say F1 will look to see if the race can be rescheduled, but the busy 23-race calendar means it is thought to be unlikely.
      The vast amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of this weekend’s venue underwater.
      The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is located right next to the Santerno river.
      And there is a red weather warning in place as adverse conditions continue to batter the region.
      Thursday is forecast to be dry at the track, but rain is expected to return over the weekend.
      It is the first time an F1 race has been cancelled due to the weather however totally understandable given the flooding risk.
      The race was also due to be part of a triple-header with races in Monaco and Barcelona in consecutive weekends.
      Should F1 have run into difficulties on Sunday evening with packing away the cars, equipment and motorhomes, it would have had a knock on effect.
      Read More on The Sun
      The logistics surrounding the construction of the Monaco paddock, which is squeezed in around the marina, are already a strain on the riggers.
      A delay could have meant that next week’s race would have been impacted.
      An F1 statement said “it is not possible to safely hold the event”Credit: AFP
      The situation could impact the Monaco GP, which is scheduled for next weekCredit: EPA More

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      Emilia Romagna GP in serious doubt as horror floods CLOSE Imola F1 track – and it could even affect Monaco race

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      HEAVY FLOODING at Imola means the track has been closed, putting this weekend’s Emilia Romagna F1 Grand Prix in serious doubt.All staff have been told to stay away from the track and an update from F1 bosses is expected at 1pm.
      Buenos días. Me llegan estas imágenes de Imola. El paddock y boxes de F1 están ok. Las zonas más bajas como F2 están con mucha agua. Hoy se ha prohibido al personal ir al circuito hasta que sean avisados. #f1 #EmiliaRomagnaGP pic.twitter.com/jzDnRqP54p— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) May 17, 2023

      The Emilia-Romagna region has been hit by floodsCredit: Reuters
      Rain has battered the region, where the F1 Grand Prix is due to be held this weekendCredit: EPA
      Sunday’s GP is currently in doubtCredit: EPA
      Images of the circuit have been shared on social mediaCredit: Twitter / @Julien_FEBREAU
      An update is expected on Wednesday afternoonCredit: Twitter / @Cl16__FanpageFr
      Drivers are expected to arrive at the track on ThursdayCredit: Twitter / @Cl16__FanpageFr
      The vast amount of rain to have fallen in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has left part of the venue underwater.
      And it means this Sunday’s Emilia Romagna GP could be in doubt.
      Yesterday, circuit bosses evacuated the paddock due to flood risks.
      The main F1 paddock is currently above water, but some other areas are flooded, according to the BBC.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      The circuit is located right next to the Santerno river.
      And there is a red weather warning in place as adverse conditions continue to batter the region.
      After the track was evacuated on Tuesday, heavy rain persisted overnight.
      More rain is expected throughout Wednesday.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The drivers are scheduled to arrive at the track on Thursday for the weekend’s action.
      But the conditions could have a knock-on effect on the Monaco GP, which is scheduled for next week.
      The logistics of packing down from Imola in poor conditions and getting out on the already congested and closed roads could prove to be difficult.
      This weekend’s GP is the first of three races in three weeks, with the Spanish GP in Barcelona set to follow after Emilia Romagna and Monaco.
      What does this mean for the Emilia Romagna GP?By Ben Hunt
      What happens next?
      F1, FIA, the circuit owners, plus the promoter who host the event will meet this morning to assess the flood risk. A further update will be made around 1pm.
      Can they cancel the race?
      They can do, but if the river has not yet breached the bank, it is likely to remain in place. Like we learned from Covid, F1 like to cut these things fine and give the best opportunity to have the race go ahead as planned. The majority of turn equipment has now been set up so the focus will be to get the race underway.
      What’s the weather forecast?
      It is still raining, which is the concern, for it is causing the river to rise. But it is due to ease over the next fews days, however, more rain is expected on Sunday.
      Will this impact the Monaco GP next week?
      It could do. Monaco is notoriously difficult to set up due to the limited space and bigger motor homes. Aside from flood damage, the biggest headache will be the logistics of packing down from Imola in poor conditions and getting out on the already congested and closed roads.
      What other measures can they take?
      The sensible option would be to make this a non-spectator event. Cutting the risk factor of having people stuck at the track, plus it would also ease congestion allowing teams and emergency services to operate safely and effectively. More

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      F1 star Lando Norris receives incredible £280,000 custom McLaren 765LT supercar that he designed after 18-month wait

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      LANDO NORRIS has taken delivery of his new McLaren 765LT – worth over £280,000.The F1 ace has been waiting 18-months for the customised version of the 205mph rocket.
      Lando Norris collected his custom-made McLarenCredit: Supplied
      The blue supercar is worth £280,000Credit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      He gave fans a tour of the car on the McLaren YouTube channelCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Norris took it for a drive after an 18-month waitCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Norris, 23, enlisted the help of MSO, McLaren’s bespoke design division, to make the limited-edition vehicle completely unique.
      He said: “I’ve been able to drive a lot of different McLarens but this is the first car that I’ve designed; this is me in a car.
      “I’m a carbon lover, the more carbon I can have, the better but I didn’t want to have my logo everywhere, I wanted something a bit more subtle and MSO has done a fantastic job to realise my vision.”
      Norris’ special tweaks include a one-off blue gloss carbon fibre exterior and brake calipers painted in the same yellow as his crash helmet.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The colour is also on the doors in the form of four stripes, four being his F1 racing number.
      He has his initials stitched into the headrests and there is a plaque that has his name on it.
      Norris didn’t want his name or brand all over the car, but his logo is on the driver’s seat and there are signatures from him and key manufacturers under the bonnet.
      The Brit then cruised out of the McLaren garage for a test drive.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Norris currently sits ninth in the driver standings after five races this season.
      His best ever finish in a F1 campaign came in 2021 when he finished sixth.
      He has been on the podium on six occasions but awaits his first win.
      Lando Norris has been given the keys to his specially made vehicleCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Norris’ car has four stripes on it representing his F1 numberCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      He looked thrilled with the finished productCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Signatures are seen on the underside of the bonnetCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      [embedded content] More

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      Emilia Romagna GP EVACUATED due to flood risks with F1 race under threat of being called off

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      CIRCUIT bosses have evacuated the paddock at Imola ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to flood risks.Heavy rain has hit the region, which has been given a red alert weather warning with wind and rain expected to continue.
      The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could be in chaos this weekendCredit: AP
      A red alert weather warning was issued in the regionCredit: Splash
      Storms have already triggered flooding and the circuit is perilously close to the river Santerno, which is rapidly rising.
      F1 chiefs face an anxious wait to see if the river will burst its banks, sending water flooding into the paddock just metres away.
      Staff in Imola were sent back to their hotels as officials monitored the situation.
      Contingency plans are in place should there be problems with the TV broadcast of the race, but F1 are hopeful that it will go ahead as planned.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Local schools have been shut as a precaution and residents have been urged to only travel if essential.
      However, with much of the car parking done on grass, there is likely to be plenty of problems with logistics.
      The race is the first of a triple-header on consecutive weekends and schedule means it is already a tight turnaround before any weather delays.
      For the meantime, F1 say the event is going ahead as planned.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Meanwhile, the race in Imola will see the debut of a new Pirelli rain tyre which does not need heating up beforehand.
      Pirelli’s head of car racing and F1 Mario Isola said: “Track tests have shown even better performance than the previous Cinturato Blue full wet, even without the electric heating of the tyre.
      “The result of studies carried out by Pirelli, it is the first concrete step towards the use of dry tyres without preheating.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton picked newly-single Shakira up from her £12m Miami mansion in luxury boat as pair grow close

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      LEWIS Hamilton seems to be pulling out all the stops as he reportedly tries to schmooze the newly-single Shakira. The F1 legend showed off his chivalry when he whisked the Colombian songstress off for a boat day with pals in Miami – by picking her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion.
      Lewis Hamilton picked Shakira up from the back of her Miami mansion for the boat dayCredit: RM/MEGA
      The F1 ace rushed to help the singer as she strutted down her private dockCredit: The Mega Agency
      The pair enjoyed a day on the water with pals cruising around Biscayne BayCredit: The Mega Agency
      He even ensured she got home safe by dropping her back off at her plush new homeCredit: Zillow
      He made sure Shakira didn’t have too far to walk as she trotted down her private dock last week sporting a fringed lilac bikini top and matching shorts.
      Rumours of a romance between the two stars have been rife in recent weeks after they were spotted on several outings.
      Lewis seems to now be laying his flirting on thick by personally picking the mum-of-two up when they get together, according to French outlet Gentsu.
      He was seen quickly climbing out of the open-top cruiser to lend Shakira a hand as she joined the group for a day on the water.
      READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTON
      The Mercedes driver, 38, rushed to greet Shakira as she boarded the vessel which had an inflatable crocodile strapped to the top.
      He donned a white cap, sunglasses, a black sleeveless top and checkerboard shorts – showing off his distinctive tattoos – for the excursion in the sunshine.
      Shakira was pictured grinning as they cruised around Biscayne Bay with pals as she climatised to the Miami heat.
      Lewis later ensured she made it home safe as he dropped her back off at her plush new pad, where she counts the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Matt Damon as her neighbours.
      Most read in Motorsport
      She made the move Stateside following her bitter and public split from ex-Barcelona star Gerard Pique.
      He quickly moved on with 24-year-old PR student Clara Chia Marti, while Shakira fans have been left in the dark about her love life.
      The 46-year-old set the rumour mill swirling after her latest rendevous with Lewis, just days after they enjoyed a dinner together at the lavish restaurant Cipriani.
      But despite being seen hanging out with most successful F1 driver of all time, The Sun Online understands the duo are just friends.
      Lewis had been in town for the Miami Grand Prix over the weekend – finishing in 6th place.
      Smiling at each other, Shakira appeared to join 92-time race winner Lewis and pals at his table in a short video snapped by a fan.
      It comes after she was previously spotted mingling with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month.
      Shakira announced her separation from footballer Gerard Pique last May after spending 11 years together.
      The Colombian singer-songwriter was reportedly “evicted” from her Barcelona home by Pique’s dad last month, sparking her move back to Miami.
      The mum-of-two made no mention of the eviction order in the farewell message she posted on Instagram after being pictured leaving the Catalan capital with her two children to start a new life in Florida.
      Shakira and Pique confirmed in November they had reached a child custody agreement after a marathon 12-hour meeting with their lawyers.
      They signed the accord at a court in Barcelona the following month.
      Read More on The Sun
      As part of the agreement, Pique will spend holiday time with his children.
      Shakira’s wish to move to Miami, where she used to live and where some of her family are based, is understood to have been the sticking point in the former couple’s previous failure to strike an out-of-court settlement. 
      Shakira and Lewis then parted ways as she was dropped back homeCredit: RM/MEGA
      The mum looked happy to see the Mercedes driver as she climbed aboardCredit: RM/MEGA
      Lewis was also recently spotted dining with Shakira in the lavish Cipriani restaurantCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton has rare cause for celebration amid Mercedes’ disappointing F1 season

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      IT’S been a difficult start to the Formula One season for Lewis Hamilton.The seven-time world champion has just one podium finish in five races, but did have a rare cause for celebration over the weekend.
      Lewis Hamilton has had little to cheer about so far this yearCredit: Splash
      That’s because Hamilton’s Extreme E racing team, X44, won round three of the Hydro X Prix in Scotland.
      Fraser McConnell and Christina Gutierrez won Saturday’s grand final.
      And Hamilton revelled in the victory on social media.
      Taking to his Instagram story, Hamilton posted a snap of the two winning drivers and wrote: “Another W.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      Hamilton’s X44 team crossed the line in second place, but a penalty to rivals Andretti saw them promoted to first.
      However, X44 could not follow up Saturday’s success in round four on Sunday.
      Following the weekend’s action, X44 are fourth in the Extreme E championship standings, one place Rosberg X Racing, founded by Hamilton’s former Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
      Fourth is also where Hamilton currently lies in the 2023 F1 driver standings.
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      He trails leader Max Verstappen by 63 points, and finished P6 in Miami last time out.
      Hamilton returns to action this weekend at the Emilia Romagna GP in Italy.
      The Brit F1 legend recently spoke out on his love for other racing series, not just F1.
      He said: “I did a car swap with Tony Stewart years ago, which was fun.
      “I’d love to try it [NASCAR] at some stage. It’s not a dream for me to go race another series, but I am an admirer.
      “I’m a fan of racing and other sports. So I would like to try it. I’d love to swap with Valentino Rossi and try Moto GP.
      “I sometimes watch IndyCar and would love to try one of those at some stage.” More