Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Others on if F1 Could Join the Olympics

Alex Harrington | Jul 27, 2024

2024 Belgian Grand Prix, Thursday / Jiri Krenek

The concept of incorporating motorsport, particularly Formula 1, into the Olympic Games has long been an interesting thought for both fans and drivers. This discussion has gained traction with the upcoming Belgium Grand Prix and the announcement of new sports like squash and flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite the growing popularity of F1 in the United States, motorsport was overlooked for inclusion, a decision that doesn't quite make sense seeing Liberty Media's aspirations to broaden the sport's viewer base. But, there's a very sensible reason for this.

The integration of Formula 1 into the Olympics presents several technical and regulatory challenges. Drivers such as Fernando Alonso or Oscar Piastri can represent their countries, but what cars would they drive? There isn't a Spanish F1 team. And there certainly isn't an Australian team. We could see the French drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon driving their Alpines... but at this point, I'm out of ideas. And does it even count if Alpine is only partly based in France? The majority of the team is based in Enstone, England. Hmm.

Top drivers have expressed varied opinions on the matter, and it's safe to say that there's no immediate wish for them to join the talented athletes in Paris right now.

Lewis Hamilton remains skeptical, plainly stating: “I just don’t think it’s an Olympic game.”

Similarly, Max Verstappen stresses the inherent difference between the F1 championship and the Olympic ethos:

“No, it’s not for me. It’s too car-related. You [drivers] didn’t grow up in that Olympic environment; I don’t think we belong at the Olympic stage. And that’s fine because we have our own championship, which I think is really well received.”

Fernando Alonso also highlighted the technical hurdles of achieving fairness in an Olympic motorsport event, even with standardized equipment like go-karts.

“I think it’s [racing as an event in the Olympic Games] quite unlikely because we have the machine with us. Even if you try to organize a go-kart race with exactly the same go-karts, it will never be exactly the same, probably. So, yeah, it is a very unique sport.”

Charles Leclerc, ever one for a challenge and this weekend's pole sitter, showed enthusiasm for the idea, acknowledging the logistical obstacles but also the unique opportunity it presents.

“It would be great to have motorsport at the Olympics. However, I think it’s a bit more difficult to organize than other sports because we are all driving for different constructors with different cars in Formula 1. But it’s definitely possible and I would love to represent Monaco,” Leclerc said.

Proposals for including motorsport in the Olympics suggest uniformity in equipment—using standardized cars—to focus on the drivers' skills instead of team advantages. There is also a call for inclusive representation, which would not only extend to F1 drivers but could also include competitors from F2, F3, Formula E, the F1 Academy, IndyCar, and the World Endurance Championship. However, still, there's the question of national representation and potential imbalance, as some countries could field a stronger, more experienced lineup across these various categories.

The idea of introducing motorsport into the Olympics certainly stirs excitement in someone like me. But, alas, it's not to be. Maybe in another piece I can dig into the ways motorsport and the Olympics have mixed - because they have(!) - but for now, we'll enjoy the spectacle of Spa, and leave Paris in peace without our loud engines and tire smoke.