Charles Leclerc: « It would be great to have motorsport at the Olympics. »
A recent Olympic torchbearer in the Principality, the Monegasque would like to represent his country at the Olympic Games. It would require a lot of adaptation, but would make him very proud. A view not shared by Max Verstappen.
The Olympic flame is touring French territory and its surroundings, now just one month away from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Charles Leclerc was able to participate in this celebration, at home, in Monaco: « It was a huge honor for me to be able to carry the Olympic flame, especially in my home country of Monaco. It was really a very special moment. » The Ferrari driver’s eyes were still sparkling as he recalled this memory at a press conference before the Austrian Grand Prix.
There have been some discussions in the past about a possible car race at the Olympic Games. But the discussions have often fallen short. It must be said that the introduction of Formula 1 to the Olympics would present many obstacles. Aware of these difficulties, Charles Leclerc remains optimistic:
It would be great to have car racing at the Olympic Games. I think it’s a bit more difficult to organize than other sports because obviously we all race for different manufacturers with different cars in Formula 1. And in order to have the same car, we would obviously have to choose the philosophy we want to follow, what support, what power, etc. But it’s totally possible.
I would love to represent Monaco
Running solely to represent your country is impossible in Formula 1. The reminder of the drivers’ nationality is only done for the winner. Only he can sing his national anthem on the podium on Sunday. The Olympics could allow drivers to make their country proud:
« I would love to represent Monaco. I am very proud to be from Monaco. We are very few Monégasques. And it’s nice to represent such a small, but beautiful country. So I would love to. But I don’t know if it’s scheduled in the near future. »
Max Verstappen: (e) I don’t feel like it.
Max Verstappen, also questioned on the subject, does not share the same opinion: “No, it’s not for me. Motorsport is too linked to the car, to racing. I didn’t grow up in that Olympic kind of environment. I don’t feel like doing it to be honest. I don’t think we belong in the Olympic environment. And that’s fine because we have our own championship, which is highly appreciated. I prefer to watch the Olympic Games on my television.”
