The 25th Winter Olympic Games are on the horizon, with the opening ceremony set for Friday, signaling the start of Milano Cortina 2026. This year’s Games will showcase over 90 countries, host around 2,800 athletes, and include 116 events spread across various venues in Northern Italy. Given the presence of numerous snow sports enthusiasts within the F1 community, it’s likely that many members of the paddock will be glued to their screens during this thrilling 19-day spectacle!
The connection between Formula 1 and the Winter Olympics runs deep. Did you notice Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali lighting the Olympic torch in January? Or perhaps you recall test driver Luca Badoer performing donuts in a Ferrari at the Turin Games’ opening ceremony in 2006? Strikingly, did you know that four F1 drivers have competed in the Winter Olympics?
While it’s evident that all F1 drivers possess remarkable skills, these four individuals have taken their passion for adrenaline to remarkable heights by competing in various events throughout the late 20th century, with some even balancing these endeavors with their F1 careers. Let’s delve into the fascinating journeys of these extraordinary athletes.
Divina Galica – Alpine and Speed Skiing
Divina Galica stands out not only as one of five women to participate during an F1 Grand Prix weekend but also as one of Britain’s most accomplished skiers. At just 19, she made her Olympic debut at the 1964 Innsbruck Games, qualifying for the slalom, giant slalom, and downhill events. Four years later, she represented Team GB again in Grenoble, achieving an impressive eighth place in the giant slalom.
Her third Olympic appearance in the 1972 Sapporo Games was her best yet, as she secured seventh place in the same discipline. Galica’s foray into motor racing began with a celebrity event, and after impressing spectators, she entered the 1976 British Grand Prix driving the Surtees TS16 F1 car. Although she did not qualify for that race, nor for two others in 1978, she pursued a career in sports cars and other racing categories before making a remarkable return to skiing.
At the age of 47, she competed in the speed skiing event at the 1992 Albertville Olympics, a demonstration sport aimed at achieving the highest speed possible. Galica’s inspiring legacy continues as she remains active in the motorsport world even after retiring from skiing.
Alfonso de Portago – Bobsleigh
Alfonso de Portago participated in five F1 races between 1956 and 1957. This versatile Spaniard made an impressive debut, finishing second in a shared Ferrari at the 1956 British Grand Prix. He later placed fifth in the Argentine Grand Prix in January 1957, but tragically lost his life just four months later in a crash during the Mille Miglia in Italy.
De Portago’s passion for winter sports was a family tradition. During his time in F1, he and his cousins made history by being part of Spain’s inaugural bobsleigh team at the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Games. In the two-man bobsleigh event, he narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth, just 0.16 seconds away from a medal, while also competing in the four-man event and finishing ninth.
Bob Said – Bobsleigh
American Bob Said took part in only one F1 race throughout his career, competing in the 1969 United States Grand Prix at Sebring. Unfortunately, a mishap caused him to spin out, leading to an early retirement on the first lap. Prior to his racing career, he had already reached the pinnacle of another sport, showcasing his affinity for speed.
In 1968, Said was a member of the US four-man bobsleigh team at the Grenoble Games, where he competed against fellow F1 driver Robin Widdows from Great Britain. After finishing 10th in his first Olympic outing, he returned four years later for the Sapporo 1972 Games, ultimately placing 14th in the four-man event and 19th in the two-man event.
Robin Widdows – Bobsleigh
There are notable similarities in the sporting paths of Bob Said and Robin Widdows. Like Said, British driver Widdows also competed in a single F1 race during his career, which took place at the 1968 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. He was on pace to complete nearly half of the race when an ignition issue forced him to retire his Cooper BRM.
Prior to his F1 debut, Widdows had already made a name for himself in winter sports. He participated in the four-man bobsleigh event at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics, finishing 13th. He returned to the Winter Olympics four years later in Grenoble, achieving a commendable seventh place, surpassing Bob Said by three positions.
Honourable Mention – Simona de Silvestro
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, it’s worth noting that former Sauber F1 test driver Simona de Silvestro is set to compete in bobsleigh. This Swiss-Italian racer is recognized as one of the most prominent female figures in motorsport, having raced in the IndyCar Series from 2010 to 2022 and having a stint in Formula E.
At 37 years old, she will represent Italy in both the monobob and two-person events at the Cortina Sliding Center. Will she achieve further success in her sporting career? As Milano Cortina prepares to kick off the Winter Olympics, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these F1 drivers who have ventured into the Winter Games.
