F1 Driver Triumphs at Olympics; Four Racers Transition to Winter Sports

Throughout Olympic history, numerous athletes have graced the Games, leaving a lasting legacy. Notably, tennis star Andy Murray has won two Gold Medals for Team GB, while golfers like Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler have enjoyed their own Olympic triumphs. However, motorsport drivers face unique challenges in seeking Olympic glory due to the Olympic Charter’s restrictions on events reliant on mechanical propulsion.

F1 Driver with Olympic Experience

Among the current Formula 1 drivers, Franco Colapinto stands out for his Olympic involvement. At just 15 years old, the Argentine racer participated in the 2018 Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires. Colapinto competed in a karting demonstration event, showcasing his skills, but did not earn a medal since it was not an official event.

Drive to Winter Sports

Several former F1 drivers have sought to expand their athletic horizons by transitioning to winter sports in hopes of Olympic participation. Four notable figures made this shift, opting for disciplines like bobsleigh and skiing.

• Alfonso de Portago: The London-born Spaniard made five race starts in F1 with Ferrari. He debuted in 1956, and in his second race, he finished on the podium at the British Grand Prix. In a remarkable pivot, he also competed in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, as a member of the Spanish bobsleigh team. They narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth by just 0.16 seconds. Sadly, he died in a crash during the Mille Miglia in 1957.
• Divina Galica: This British driver participated in three Grands Prix in the 1970s, though she did not qualify for any races. Prior to her F1 career, she represented Great Britain in downhill skiing at three Olympics from 1964 to 1972. In 1992, she made a bold attempt at speed skiing at the Winter Olympics held in Albertville, France.

These transitions illustrate the diverse paths athletes may take in pursuit of Olympic success, even when faced with the challenges of technical sports like motorsport. As the Winter Olympics continue, the legacy of these drivers lives on, blending the worlds of speed and endurance.