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While Formula 1 is catching its breath following a thrilling first half of the 2024 season, many in the paddock will most likely be keeping an eye on the action from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where some of the world’s leading athletes have been competing across a range of sports.
And while motorsport is not a feature at the Games, a number of F1 drivers from the sport’s past have become Olympians in a variety of other disciplines – with one even becoming Formula 1’s only Olympic medal-winner.
We’ve taken a trip down memory lane to relive the stories of those who tackled both F1 and the Olympic Games in their sporting careers…
F1 ICONS: Olympic legend Usain Bolt on Sir Lewis Hamilton
Prince Bira, Sailing – Melbourne 1956, Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Munich 1972
Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh – better known as Prince Bira – was the first Thai driver to race in Formula 1, competing in a total of 19 championship races between 1950 and 1954 as well as taking part in numerous non-championship events.
In the years after, Bira went on to contend at four Olympic Games in sailing; in the Star category at Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960, Dragon at Tokyo 1964 and Tempest for Munich 1972. Interestingly, Bira went head-to-head with another F1 driver – Roberto Mieres – in Rome, where Mieres was classified 17th ahead of Bira in 19th.
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