The FIFA World Cup final has invaded the Formula 1 environment at Spa-Francorchamps. Just hours after the Belgian GP, Argentina and Spain will compete for the world title, putting Franco Colapinto, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso on opposite sides of the decision.
Read more F1: Gasly gathers drivers to pay tribute to Anthoine Hubert at Spa
The topic dominated conversations on media day this Thursday (16). Colapinto arrived at the circuit wearing the Argentina jersey with Lionel Messi’s name and the number 10 on the back, celebrating the qualification over England in the semifinals and reinforcing the atmosphere of anticipation for the match.
Sainz praised the moment experienced by the Spanish national team but acknowledged the strength of the opponent. For the Spanish driver, the Spain team presents the best football in the tournament, although Argentina has characteristics capable of balancing the decision.
“I think Spain is playing very well. In terms of football, we are playing the best football, but Argentina has a powerful attack, and it’s a World Cup, so sometimes football is football. We’ll see, I think it will be a good contest,” said the Williams driver.
Besides the concern about the result, Sainz revealed that he might not even be able to watch the entire match. The driver explained that he will travel to Monaco alongside Charles Leclerc and will depend on Ferrari’s schedule to follow the decision.
Read more F1: Russell explains phase at Mercedes with metaphor about the Mona Lisa
“I hope the plane has Wi-Fi and I can watch, or at least see the second half or something like that. Maybe I can arrive half an hour earlier, if possible, but I will fly with Charles and Ferrari’s meetings are long, especially when they win and go up to the podium. They take longer to return, so I need to organize myself,” he said.
Colapinto, in turn, highlighted the pride he feels for Argentina’s campaign. Although he classified the final as ‘just a football match,’ the Alpine driver stated that the team’s performance reinforces Argentina’s status among the great powers of the sport.
“I am extremely happy to be Argentine. I am very proud of them, of course. I am proud that they don’t give up,” he said. The Argentine also compared the current campaign to the historic 1986 victory.
“This is the kind of match that really shows why Argentina is one of the greatest teams in football history. It’s like the 1986 match. It’s in important matches that you show what you’re made of and why we are ahead of teams like England and other countries like that. I am very happy to be Argentine, and of course, they did an incredible job and an incredible World Cup,” he added.
Read more F1: Globo and Sportv broadcast the Belgian GP live
