Why Formula 1 isn't an Olympic sport

True spectacle
Millions of viewers
The Olympics
The difference
Idea got shutdown
Logistics
The cost
Diversity
Will it ever?
True spectacle

The 2024 Olympics were a true spectacle, with nearly every sport included over the two weeks of unbelievable feats of athleticism and drama. But for those passionate about motor racing, you may be wondering why Formula 1 wasn't included in the Games. Well, let's take a look at the reasons why.

Millions of viewers

In 2022, Formula One had over 70 million viewers, according to the Blackbook Motorsport website. Are the Olympics missing a trick? No, and here's why!

The Olympics

In essence, the Olympic Games are predominantly about maximizing human capabilities and the physical exertion of an athlete, and F1 heavily relies on machine power rather than the person driving the car.

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The difference

That's not to say Formula One drivers aren't maximizing their human capabilities and physical exertion. However, the Olympics focuses on human effort and physicality, while F1 is human and machine working in harmony.

Idea got shutdown

According to the Motorsport website, in 2012, former International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge was quick to shut down the idea of F1 being at the Olympics.

"They will not be included"

"Frankly speaking, the concept we are having is the games are about competition for the athletes, not for equipment. Therefore, while having a lot of respect, they will not be included in the Olympic program."

Logistics

If it were to be introduced, the logistical issues would be a nightmare. The cost to build a track, maintain it, and dismantle it would cost a fortune for the Olympics, and that's not even considering the cost of getting the cars and all the equipment over.

The cost

The Crash website reports that F1 teams spend over $100 million in transferring the cars across the world, with each team having 1,500 tons of equipment.

Diversity

Gender equality is a cornerstone of the Olympics, with every sport having a male and female category. In Formula One, gender equality has been a key issue, with very few women pushing for a seat in the sport.

Will it ever?

With the logistical issues, the essence of the Olympic Games, and the diversity problems within the sport, Formula One will struggle to ever be an Olympic sport.

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