Motorsport as an Olympic sport? Decision on 2028 to follow soon

Formula 1's popularity has grown worldwide in recent years. Especially in the United States, the sport has grown tremendously. This has not escaped the IOC's notice either, and with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics coming up, the Olympic committee will soon consider whether motorsport will become part of the Olympic calendar.

Motorsport on IOC shortlist

Despite being a motorised sport, motorsport still seems to have a serious chance of becoming part of the Olympic Games from 2028 onwards. Reuters news agency reports that the IOC will consider possible new sports at the Games in the coming weeks. The shortlist includes sports like kickboxing, squash, and karate, along with motorsport. The final decision by the IOC will be made in October 2023.

The Olympics usually focus mainly on the athletic performance of athletes. After all, in motorsport, there is also a technical aspect involved: equipment failure cannot be ruled out. Despite that aspect, motorsport seems to meet the most important requirements for an Olympic sport. According to the IOC, a sport should be practised at a youth level and by both ladies and gentlemen. The IOC believe that a sport should have a sustainable aspect, and the amount of spectacle a sport can give is considered.

Experiments with new sports

That the IOC is willing to experiment with new sports will already become clear at next year's Paris Olympics. The committee has decided that four new sports will be added to the calendar in Paris. Such experiments are also possible for motorsport, which could include a set-up similar to that seen in the Race of Champions. Here, drivers compete against each other using the same material. In terms of sustainability, Formula E is a good example of what is possible in motorsport.