Formula 1 in the Olympics? Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso Have Their Say

As the Belgium Grand Prix race weekend continues after an exciting wet qualifying, whispers about Formula 1’s potential inclusion in the Summer Olympics gather momentum. With the sport’s owners, Liberty Media, wanting to grow F1 in the USA beyond its already huge viewership, it’s odd that there haven’t been any talks regarding its inclusion this year in Paris.

However, embedding Formula 1 – or any motorsport for that matter – into the Olympic tapestry would be incredibly tough. And there’s a very simple reason for this. Yes, we celebrate these drivers’ home countries, but we also celebrate the homes of the ten constructors they drive for. Alpine could potentially get away with it, with both the team and its drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, being French. But even then, the squad is largely based in Enstone – a quaint British village.

The nationality of the driver, constructor, and the brilliant men and women behind each team would be called into question, and this makes it far too complicated.

Key voices in Formula 1 have offered their perspectives on this subject. Lewis Hamilton has openly expressed doubts about integrating motorsport with the traditional Olympics, plainly stating:

“I just don’t think it’s an Olympic game.”

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on July 26, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. The 7-time champion doesn’t…
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on July 26, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. The 7-time champion doesn’t want the Olympics and motorsport to mix.
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Similarly, Max Verstappen sees a fundamental mismatch between the Olympics, which celebrates human physical achievement, and F1’s reliance on machinery and technology.

“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,” Verstappen explains.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso voices concerns over the technical feasibility of a standardized motorsport event at the Olympics, pointing out that even with identical go-karts, differences would be inevitable:

“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.”

On the other hand, Charles Leclerc is more optimistic about the idea:.

“It would be great to have motorsport at the Olympics. However, I think it’s a bit more difficult to organise 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,” admits this weekend’s pole sitter.

If motorsports were to be included, it would require a level playing field, potentially through the standardization of vehicles so that the focus shifts to driver skill rather than team resources. Furthermore, broadening the pool to include drivers from F2, F3, Formula E, F1 Academy, IndyCar, and the World Endurance Championship could improve national representation and fairness.

But ultimately, the question of including Formula 1 or any motorsport in the Olympics, is too complex. There are too many moving parts.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.