Domenicali: 'Fundraiser campaign for affected in Emilia-Romagna'

Formula 1 is going to raise money for the victims of the disaster in the Emila-Romagna region. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1's boss, announced this on Wednesday afternoon. The former Ferrari team boss is deeply distressed by the suffering of his compatriots.

Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula One Management (FOM) would undoubtedly have liked to have had a Grand Prix in his homeland this weekend. The extreme weather conditions and their dramatic consequences in the Emilia-Romagna region mean that the FIA and FOM had no choice but to cancel the race. "It was quite logical, given what is happening in Emilia-Romagna," Domenicali told Italy's Sky Sports.

According to the Italian, there was simply no alternative: "I informed all the teams and nobody had anything to say about it. Sorry to all Italian and Imola fans, we are going to try to find the right solution. Given the full calendar, it is difficult to say we will return this year, but we have a moral obligation towards everyone who has worked so hard."

Also speaking to the television channel, the Italian reiterated that all of Formula 1 sympathises with those affected in the area. "We keep everyone who is a victim in our thoughts. We are going to raise money for them, for everyone who loves our sport and also for employees of AlphaTauri some of whose children have nothing left."