Compliment to F1 after decision: Why cancellation was the only option

The word is out: the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will definitely not take place. It is the only right decision Formula 1 and the teams could have taken. Although it is true that the rain would probably diminish in terms of severity as the race weekend progressed, if the race had gone ahead considerable problems were guaranteed.

As the world fell under the spell of an unknown virus, Formula 1 was about to start the 2020 season. In Melbourne, more and more stories of an unknown disease, from which people could suddenly die from, seeped through. Events were cancelled everywhere, lockdowns occurred and fears of the great unknown arose. And Formula 1? It did nothing at first.

Lessons from Australia

The teams had travelled to the other side of the world, and there would have to be racing. After all, the show had to go on. Always. No matter what. Much to the annoyance of a lot of drivers, some of whom (like Sebastian Vettel) themselves decided to leave Australia and return home as soon as possible. It was only at the very last minute, mere hours before the first free practice was due to be run, that Formula 1 decided to cancel the Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Formula 1 has learnt from the past, which is admirable. Some of the residents of the affected Emilia-Romagna region are seeing their entire possessions destroyed, and F1 realises that it is not appropriate then to fuss for a long time about holding a Grand Prix. The relatively quick decision also prevents fans from making a (long) journey towards the area. Many are likely to be able to cancel their hotels, so some of the Tifosi will not be put to unnecessary expense.

Not getting in the way of assistance

Yet most importantly, the emergency services can continue to do their work undisturbed, without having to worry about potentially thousands of race fans coming to the region. What does remain an issue for the teams is breaking down their gear and getting it back safely from Italy to Monaco. In a week's time, the next Grand Prix is scheduled there.

No doubt, a big logistical job still awaits the F1 teams, but the upside is: they have a few days longer than originally planned to leave Imola.