Why isn't F1 an Olympic sport?

Why isn't F1 an Olympic sport?
Derek Falcone / Jul, 29 2023 / Sports Commentary and Analysis

Introduction: A Racing Conundrum

Okay, let's get this show on the road. Confession time: I love Formula 1 (F1) racing. The thrill of the roaring engines, the strategic plays, the dramatic turns and twists – it's simply magnetic! Hop on the F1 ride with me, and let's explore why this sensational sport doesn't wave its flag in the Olympics. Why isn't F1 an Olympic sport – now that's a question that's been bothering me for years now, much like why our kitty Stella refuses to chase lasers, though that might perhaps be a topic for another day.

Understanding the Essence of Olympics and F1

You see, to begin this discussion, there is a need for us to take a cursory glance at the nature of the Olympics and F1. It's like trying to understand why a Maine Coon, like our Stella, tends to be larger than most other domestic cats. Each has its unique attributes and essence. The Olympics, for starters, is an international sports event focusing on individual athletes and teams competing in various sports. F1, in contrast, is a high-octane racing championship involving teams, drivers, and (let's not forget) super-fast cars. It's less "athlete versus athlete" and more "team plus machine versus team plus machine".

High Costs and Logistical Challenges

One of the most glaring reasons why F1 is not an Olympic sport lies in the cost and logistics involved. Much like the exorbitant amount I spent on Stella's royal-sized cat tower (which she barely uses), hosting an F1 race is nothing short of a fiscal nightmare. The infrastructural demands alone – including creating a race track, providing adequate seating, and guaranteeing safe conditions – are astronomical. Remember the question why Stella doesn't chase lasers? Maybe she is simply averse to all the effort involved, akin to organizing an entire F1 race.

Missing the Equality Quotient

In the Olympics, a fundamental principle is that everyone has an equal start. You could be as small as 5-year-old Otto's LEGO man or as significant as a Maine Coon cat, but as long as you have the heart (and the skills), you stand a fair chance. However, with F1, this equality quotient gets a bit skewed. Different teams have various levels of technological and financial advantages, which can create a considerable disparity in performance. It's like giving Stella a head-start in a race; of course, she's going to win - she's a Maine Coon after all!

The Role of Machines

F1 racing- machines play a big role. It's kind of like when I use the automatic can opener for Stella's tuna can. The machine does half the job. In F1, although the skill and talent of the driver is paramount, the role of the car can't be neglected. A faster, more technologically advanced race car might provide an undue edge to one competitor over another. Oh, Stella might love F1 now - if only those cars dispensed tuna!

Safety Concerns and Unpredictability

Finally, as unpredictable as a cat on caffeine, an F1 race can carry significant safety risks. This isn't a hundred-meter dash we're talking about; it's a high-speed race where things can go south pretty quickly. For a platform like the Olympics, which aims to promote peace and unity, the inherent risk of F1 might be a bit too much. They might as well let Stella run loose in a yarn factory, but we all know how that would end!

So, there you have it. It's not that F1 is any less captivating or thrilling as a sport, but there are substantial reasons why it hasn't yet graced the Olympic stage. But hey, who's to say what the future holds, right? Maybe one fine day, we will see those speedy machines lining up for an Olympic event, just as maybe one day Stella will finally figure out the joy of running after a laser pointer. Until then, let's keep our fingers (and paws) crossed!