Olympics ban one of world’s biggest sports for one very good reason
Topics: Olympics, Paralympics, Sport
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images/Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Topics: Olympics, Paralympics, Sport
A fan-favourite sport has been totally banned from the Olympics, after claims that it 'doesn't belong' there - but the reason why makes sense.
The Paris Olympics have been and gone, and fans are now enjoying the Paralympics which are currently underway.
We saw a total of 40 sports during the Paris Olympics, but there's a hugely popular sport that you'll never see at the famous global competition.
And despite calls for it to be included, fans understand the reason why it wouldn't really be a great fit.
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The popular sport that's never featured is motorsports and more specifically, Formula 1.
TV viewers worldwide per Grand Prix in 2021 stood at 70.3 million, so theres no argument that the sport isn't well-respected enough to take part.
But the reason why they don't, is quite specific.
In the Olympic Charter, rule 47.4.2 states: "Sports, disciplines or events in which performance depends essentially on mechanical propulsion are not acceptable."
The Olympic Charter is essentially a rule book, or a 'codification of the fundamental principles of Olympism, and the rules and bye-laws adopted by the International Olympic Committee.'
While the specific rule has since been removed, Formula 1 still hasn't been included in the games.
And whilst you would think the drivers would love an Olympic medal to add to their collection of achievements, it seems as though they aren't too bothered about the accolade.
The likes of world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are actually pretty against the idea.
On the subject, Verstappen told Sports Illustrated: "It's too car-related. [Drivers] didn't grow up in that Olympic environment - I don't think we belong at the Olympic stage.
"And that's fine, because we have our own championship which I think is really well received."
Meanwhile Hamilton said: “I just don’t think it’s an Olympic game.”
The other complex issue comes down to the vehicles themselves.
Ideally, all the drivers would need to be using identical cars and equipment, which is seen as being pretty unfeasible.
Fernando Alonso also expressed the technical difficulties it would face: "I think it’s [racing as an event in the Olympic Games] quite unlikely because we have the machine with us.
"Even if you try to organize a go-kart race with exactly the same go-karts, it will never be exactly the same, probably.
"So, yeah, it is a very unique sport.”