Prospects of ‘canceled’ F1 Imola GP being held later in 2023 ‘highly unlikely’ : Report

The jam-packed 2023 F1 calendar might not have a place for a delayed race in Imola.

Prospects of ‘canceled’ F1 Imola GP being held later in 2023 ‘highly unlikely’ : Report

Max Verstappen, 2022 Emilia Romagna GP, image via Raceweek,com.au

Formula 1 canceled the 2023 Emilia Romagna GP after the recent flooding in the Italian region. The weather derailed the plans of the highly-anticipated race at the fan-favorite Imola circuit. Drivers and fans alike love the high-speed characteristics of the circuit. Subsequently, many speculated if the track could return later this year. However, the chances for such a postponed race seem grim.

As per the report of RacingNews365, the F1 calendar does not have adequate space to fit such an event. The report stated, “Analysing the packed calendar it is highly unlikely that the race will be rescheduled unless another race drops out.” The possibility of another race backing out is certainly less unless a major setback takes place.

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A couple of slots have been considered that could provide a window for the postponed Imola GP. The first is the last weekend in June between 23-25th. Unfortunately, adding the race to this date would lead to an unprecedented F1 quadruple-header as the race would occur right after the Canadian GP before the doubleheader in Austria and Britain.

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The Summer Break poses a challenge for a postponed Imola GP

The flooded F1 paddock at the Imola GP, image via Twitter
The flooded F1 paddock at the Imola GP, image via Twitter

The next option is during the F1 summer break in the month of August. The Imola GP could occur right after the Belgian GP on August 6th or just before the Dutch GP on August 20th. Although this, too is not an ideal scenario as all F1 teams must shut down their factories for two weeks this month to give a break to the personnel. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has not hinted at the future of the race.

As such, for now, it seems that there is no place for another slot for the Emilia Romagna race. The 2023 F1 season calendar is jam-packed as the sport hosts its longest-ever season with 23 races. Albeit, this number has come down to 2022 after the cancelation of the Imola GP. Many believe it is better not to find a replacement date for the race.

Thus, the Emilia Romagna GP might not be on the cards for the rest of the 2023 F1 season. The Imola track was highly regarded by fans and drivers alike. As such, it is a shame that the sport didn’t get to race on this track this season. However, it was certainly the right call, as safety must always be the priority, no matter the circuit or the sport.

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