If motorsports like Formula 1 and MotoGP were part of the Olympics, which countries would dominate?
Throughout the annals of history, the pinnacle of global sporting spectacles has invariably been the FIFA World Cup, an event that captivates billions. Trailing closely is the grandeur of the Summer Olympics, a quadrennial festival of human athleticism and international camaraderie. Intriguingly, completing this illustrious trio is the Cricket World Cup, whose massive viewership underscores its global appeal.
Notably, within the top ten most-watched sporting events, Formula 1 claims the eighth spot, the lone representative of motorsport, with MotoGP lurking just outside the top ten.
Given that it is an Olympic year, one can’t help but ponder a tantalizing hypothetical: What if motorsports were included in the Olympics? Which nations would emerge as the titans of the two most celebrated motorsport disciplines?
While it may seem far-fetched, it’s worth recalling that motor racing did indeed feature in the 1900 Summer Games, held in Paris. These races, considered demonstration events, did not contribute to the official medal tally. Yet, this historical footnote invites us to imagine a world where Formula 1 and MotoGP could be Olympic sports.
Which countries would bask in golden glory?
Formula 1
The immediate assumption might be that the Netherlands would dominate, propelled by the sheer brilliance of Dutchman Max Verstappen, whose recent performances have been nothing short of stellar.
However, delve deeper, and the scenario becomes increasingly complex. Verstappen’s success is intricately linked to his team, Red Bull Racing, an Austrian entity with its base of operations in the UK and powertrains courtesy of Japan’s Honda. Thus, the question arises: Which nation would lay claim to the gold? While Verstappen’s prowess is undeniable, the Netherlands lacks additional top-tier drivers to bolster their claim.
Conversely, Team GB stands as a formidable contender. The United Kingdom is the epicenter of Formula 1 engineering excellence, home to iconic teams like Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, Williams, Alpine, and even Red Bull. This concentration of talent and technology is matched by the presence of stellar British drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell.
Their combined achievements make a compelling case for Great Britain as the natural frontrunner for Olympic gold in Formula 1.
MotoGP
In the realm of MotoGP, the landscape appears equally clear-cut.
Spain boasts two of the top three riders, Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin, yet the machines they pilot are predominantly Italian. Ducati, the brand synonymous with MotoGP supremacy, supplies four of the top five bikes, underscoring Italy’s engineering prowess, even though they are technically funded by Germany.
Moreover, the reigning champion, Pecco Bagnaia, calls Italy home, further solidifying the nation’s dominance.
Thus, if MotoGP were to grace the Olympic stage, Italy would undoubtedly be poised to ascend the podium’s highest step.
A Hypothetical Scenario
Entertaining the notion of motorsports in the Olympics raises intriguing questions about the format. The traditional structures of F1 and MotoGP, with their intricate team dynamics and technological disparities, would necessitate a reimagining.
A plausible solution would be the introduction of a One-Make series, wherein all competitors race identical machinery. This format would emphasize the skill and strategy of the driver or rider, leveling the playing field and ensuring that victory is determined by human prowess rather than mechanical superiority.
Such a competition would undoubtedly captivate millions of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. In this whimsical yet fascinating exploration, the prospect of Olympic motorsports offers a fresh perspective on national pride and sporting excellence.
While it remains a fantasy for now, the idea of seeing the world’s best drivers and riders compete on equal terms is an exhilarating thought, one that fuels the imagination of gearheads across the globe.
Banner image from Francesco Bagnaia on Instagram.
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