Charles Leclerc Follows in Lewis Hamilton’s Footsteps With Special Paris Olympics Honor

Charles Leclerc has been bestowed with the ultimate honor. Like his soon-to-be Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton did in 2012, the Monegasque has been chosen as a torchbearer for the Monaco leg of the Paris Olympics. This is a historic moment for the principality, with this being the second time the prestigious Olympic flame will pass through its streets after the first in 1968.

“I am so incredibly honored to have the opportunity to do this, not many people get to do this,” Hamilton said in 2012 after carrying the Olympic flame through Luton. Interestingly, Leclerc also gets this opportunity in his 6th year in F1, like Hamilton did. The Monegasque’s legendary Monaco GP victory a few weeks ago seems to have spurred the government’s choice of the athlete to kick off the ceremony.

At 2:15 pm in Monaco, the Ferrari driver will begin the Olympic flame’s journey from the Juan Manuel Fangio statue. After him, the flame will switch hands to Alpine Skier Alexandra Coletti, table tennis player Xiaoxin Yang, bobsleigh pilot Ruby Rinaldi, and culminate in Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene ending the journey at 2:45 pm at the Prince’s Palace’s ceremonial entrance.

In 2020, 6-time Le Mans winning legend, Jacky Ickx, generously said “Charles Leclerc is God’s gift to Monaco”. Though motorsport doesn’t feature in the Olympics, Charles Leclerc being the Monaco GP’s first home winner, justifies his inclusion and brings Ickx’s declaration true. But this does bring up the question – when will the Olympics accept F1?

Why isn’t F1 a part of the Olympics?

F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. One would think it could make its place in the Olympics, which represents the best athletes’ skills from across the globe. The last time motorsport was seen in the Olympics was in 1900. Incidentally, that too was in Paris. To re-inject the sport into the Olympic games, the FIA ​​made attempts in 2012.

But at the British GP that year, IOC (International Olympic Committee) resident Jacques Rogge flatlined F1’s hopes. “Frankly speaking, the concept we are having is the games are about the competition for the athletes, not for equipment,” he said. “Therefore, while having a lot of respect, they will not be included into the Olympic program.”

Though Charles Leclerc and other drivers might be unable to compete for their countries, the racing is extraordinary, nonetheless. Crossovers via the Olympic torch-bearing bring up the same emotions as a victory for one’s country would. What’s your take on this? Share your thoughts below.