While Formula 1 competes in the traditional Belgian GP, the World Cup reaches its final this Sunday (19), in New York, mobilizing a good part of the grid. Of the 18 countries represented by F1 drivers at the start of the tournament, only three remain in the title race: Spaniards Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, as well as Argentine Franco Colapinto. The final will be between Spain and Argentina, while England and France compete for the bronze medal on Saturday.
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The Alpine Argentine arrived at the pits wearing an Argentina shirt with Lionel Messi’s number 10 after the team qualified for the final, achieved with a 2-1 comeback over England in the semifinal. During the interviews in Spa, Colapinto spoke about the national team and explained how the campaign serves as inspiration for his career:
“In Argentina, we learn from a young age to never give up and to keep fighting, and in difficult moments and situations, to move forward, and that is exactly what they did. That is why I am so proud to be Argentine and so proud to support my country and the way they defended the jersey.
“In this World Cup, they didn’t play well at times, but they always gave their all until the end. I really value what they did for us and for the country. I am proud to support my country – they teach me not to give up in my sport, to keep trying until the end, because it’s never over until it’s over – that’s what they showed on the field.”
Spain secured a spot in the final by beating France 2-0, a result that boosted the confidence of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Before the tournament, Sainz sent a message of support to the national team: “To the entire Spanish football team, good luck in this World Cup. We will be by your side every step of the way. All of Spain is with you. A big hug and good luck.”
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England’s defeat to Argentina also resonated among British drivers. Lewis Hamilton praised the national team’s campaign despite the elimination: “I watched with pain last night, but I’m very proud of the lads for taking us as far as they did. I can imagine how much work they put in, how much time and effort, and of course they had all the support. But it was tough against Argentina. I felt devastated for them, sitting there with my fingers crossed, hoping we could make it! We’ll bounce back!”
Arvid Lindblad also lamented the result and highlighted the English team’s effort. “I watched the game, but I wasn’t enjoying it. I understand it’s an incredibly tough team to defend against, and I think, for me, it was just sad as a fan. I felt it was one of the first times in a long time that I watched England and they really had that grit. It seemed like they really wanted to win.”
“They were playing against Argentina, and I believe we were better until their goal. It’s a bit sad how the game changed, how they decided to play differently. I understand you want to secure the result, but I think it was a bit too much. I think it’s just a bit sad that we didn’t advance, because I think the team worked hard enough.”
Ollie Bearman preferred to highlight the English campaign: “It was really good to get back to watching football, I enjoyed watching. Although it wasn’t the result we hoped for, it was still a great performance. I think, as a Brit, I can be proud that we put in a good performance.”
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