As the Olympic Games approach at the end of July, anticipation is building even within the paddock. Motorsport remains one of the few sports not included in the Olympics. Drivers are now speculating whether this might change in the future.
“It’s not an Olympic sport yet, but it would be nice if it became one in the future,” begins Alonso at the press conference. “However, I think that’s unlikely. Even if you try to make it equal for everyone, it never will be.” Unlike many other sports, the equipment, the Formula 1 car, and the team significantly influence a driver’s performance during a race.
Opinions on Motorsport as an Olympic Sport
Piastri agrees with his colleague. “Because motorsport is so unique, and the car and the team are such an important part, it becomes difficult to get a hundred percent equal playing field,” explains the Australian. Unlike Piastri and Alonso, Albon sees some merit in the concept of motorsport as an Olympic sport, but does not feel called to represent his country, Thailand. “I don’t think the driver should be for Thailand. I think there are younger and faster drivers for that,” he says.
‘We Already Represent Our Countries’
Alonso also notes that within Formula 1, the drivers already represent their countries. “I think we do that every two weeks,” Alonso agrees with the British-Thai driver, when the conversation turns to whether the drivers want to represent their countries. Piastri, however, adds a small caveat to that concept. “Of course, we are proud to represent our countries. But it’s also great that, no matter where you come from, you can be the best in this sport,” he says.