F1 News
Could motorsports happen at the Olympics this unique way? 'A one-off event'
Motorsports have never been the part of the Olympic Games. Some drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton agree that's for the better, while others would like to represent their country at this stage too. F1 drivers answered whether it would be possible to add their sport to the Olympic schedule.
The experienced Fernando Alonso thinks it could be a good idea, but doesn't know how it could happen in the future. "I think we represent our countries in a way every two weeks. This is not an Olympic sport yet, but ideally it will be nice to have it in the future for sportsmen and racing drivers to have the possibility, but I think it's quite unlikely because we have the machine with us." The Spaniard also added the idea of racing in go-karts, but also sees the downside to that: "Even if you try to organise 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."
Oscar Piastri agreed with the Spaniard. "I think a good thing about our sport is, yes, of course, we take a lot of pride in representing our countries, but I think we take a lot of pride in that in most cases, the best of the best, regardless of your nationality or your background can make it to the top. I think it's a cool idea in theory, but I don't know how you'd do it in practice," the Australian added.
Albon and Gasly agree on fun aspect of a different challenge
The Williams driver himself thinks he wouldn't be the best driver to compete in a go-kart race, but likes the idea of something new. "I don't think I should be the Thai karter. I think there's quicker ones out there. But I love the concept of it. As these guys have said, it doesn't really lend itself towards an Olympic sport. But maybe just like Mazda MX-5s and everyone driving around. That would be a lot of fun. But that would just, I think it would be too fun."
One-off go-karting events are something Pierre Gasly would also like to try out. "I remember as a kid, I really enjoyed watching and finding it very inspiring to see Lewis [Hamilton]… I remember all the big names at the time. I was a kid, and I found it very cool. So probably doesn't work in an Olympic type of format, but maybe a one-off race. Not even every year, but once in a while could be a fun event to organise."