The Winter Olympics are currently taking place in Italy, bringing lesser-known sports into the spotlight. For most athletes, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of competition. For others, such as seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, they spark thoughts about what might have been, or still could be.

Although Hamilton is a well-established Ferrari driver, his competitive spirit extends beyond the racetrack. Watching athletes glide, sprint and hurl themselves down icy tracks has led him to wonder whether he could have swapped his racing gloves for something more wintry.

 

 

A Ferrari star with a sporting curiosity

Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 career needs little introduction. From his debut with McLaren to his current tenure at Ferrari, the British driver has racked up seven world titles and countless podiums. Yet, beyond the world of Formula 1, Hamilton has always nurtured a wide-ranging athletic curiosity. This year’s Winter Olympics appear to have reignited that interest, and the driver hasn’t been shy about imagining a completely different sporting life.

In comments reported by Motorsport, Hamilton revealed, “If I had to do one Winter Olympic sport, it would be bobsleigh. I’ve always dreamed of doing it. There isn’t a team from Grenada, so maybe I’d take my friend Jan and a few other Grenadians to start a bobsleigh team.”

Hamilton’s interest isn’t limited to bobsleigh, though.

“Well, I love cross-country skiing and shooting. I’m really good at shooting, but not so much at cross-country skiing. I saw a Jamaican cross-country skier who performs incredibly well, especially considering there’s no snow in Jamaica. It’s a fascinating story. But you have to be quite tall to ski, and I’m not.”

 

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Bobsleigh Dreams: More Than a Passing Fancy

Hamilton isn’t alone in dreaming about the icy sport of bobsleigh: His Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, has also confessed to a similar fascination.

“I think there are four or five people. One driver and four sprinters? I don’t know. Anyway, everyone’s pushing, but I’ll need guys who are a bit stronger than me. I’ll be the driver, and I’ll be pretty good at it,” said Leclerc, showing a mix of humour and determination.

Bobsleigh has always intrigued F1 drivers because of the similarities in terms of high speeds, precision steering and split-second decision-making. Both Hamilton and Leclerc recognise that, although the techniques differ, their racing instincts could give them a natural advantage on the sled.

While this may sound whimsical, it’s not unprecedented for motorsport athletes to successfully switch to winter sports. One of the most striking examples is Simona de Silvestro.

 

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From F1 to bobsleigh: Simona de Silvestro’s journey

The former F1 and IndyCar driver will represent Italy in bobsleigh at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Born in Switzerland to Italian parents, de Silvestro has an impressive racing résumé that rivals any young F1 hopeful. She notably drove a 2012 Sauber at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit in 2014, but soon realised that a full-time F1 seat was out of reach.

Instead of giving up on competitive sports, she explored IndyCar, Formula E and V8 Supercars before making the bold decision to switch to bobsleigh in 2022. Her commitment paid off when she qualified for the Olympics at the first attempt.

She celebrated this achievement on social media: “We’ve officially made it; we’re going to the Olympics! Proof that a little bit of madness mixed with conviction can make the impossible real. It all started with a dream that I wasn’t afraid to pursue! I can’t wait to represent Italy at Milan-Cortina 2026!”

De Silvestro’s story shows that, while unconventional, the transition from motorsport to winter sports is far from impossible. Her journey is both an inspiration and a roadmap for athletes like Hamilton, whose interest in bobsleigh appears genuine.

 

READ MORE – 8th Title Chances? Lewis Hamilton Stunned by 2026 F1 Cars

 

NEXT ARTICLE – Horner Linked to £2.5 Billion Alpine Takeover

Christian Horner is connected to the £2.5 billion takeover of Alpine – Former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner is at the centre of growing speculation surrounding a potential £2.5 billion takeover of Alpine, with discussions ongoing with investment firm MSP Sports Capital.

The 52-year-old Briton is reportedly considering a return to Formula 1 in a different capacity, not as an employee, but as a controlling stakeholder. If the deal materialises, it would be one of the most significant shifts in ownership in the history of modern F1 and could reshape Alpine’s long-term future.

Talks with Existing Shareholders

Back in January, Alpine confirmed that Horner was part of a group interested in acquiring the 24 per cent stake currently held by Otro Capital. The remaining 76 per cent is owned by parent company Renault Group.

At the time, Alpine clarified that discussions were taking place directly with shareholders rather than with the team management.

“All approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24%) and Renault Group (76%), and not directly with Flavio Briatore or the team,” read the statement.

According to Sky News, the potential deal would value Alpine at between $2 billion and $2.5 billion. This estimate is similar to Forbes’s most recent valuation, which put the Enstone-based outfit at around $2.45 billion, highlighting just how much Formula 1 team values have increased in recent…CONTINUE READING