While Formula 1 travels to Spa for the Belgian GP, the World Cup in North America is heading towards its climax. This week, the semi-finals are first on the agenda, with England facing Argentina on Wednesday – a charged match for multiple reasons. As an Argentine, Franco Colapinto ventured into the lion’s den during the recent British GP and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Nevertheless, he dared to make a bold prediction.
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During a fan moment at Goodwood, Colapinto was asked about the upcoming semi-final. After Argentina’s victory over Switzerland and England’s win against Norway, both countries will meet on Wednesday in Atlanta. “My favorite opponent is England,” responded the Alpine driver. “I prayed that England would beat Norway so that we could then defeat them,” he boldly predicted.
That statement led to some jeering among the crowd at Goodwood. “I am surrounded by English people,” Colapinto grinned. “But I am only afraid of Jude Bellingham.” Earlier, he had signed the autograph wall at the British circuit. ‘Vamos Argentina’ and ‘Vamos Messi’ Colapinto had written. He tried to avoid questions about it. “I’m not going to talk about that,” he laughed with a wink. “Our team will do well; we will keep fighting for it.”
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Argentine fans
Throughout the weekend, Colapinto kept throwing playful jabs with the upcoming Wednesday match in mind. “There are so many fans here,” he said about the Festival of Speed. “Not as many as in Argentina, but still. It’s great to see all those cars up close and experience how Formula 1 has evolved over the years,” he continued seriously. “I think Goodwood is the biggest motorsport festival in the world. As an enthusiast, this is a very special experience; it’s unique to see these cars driving around here.”
About his relationship with England: “I spend a lot of time here; in the simulator, at Silverstone, back in the simulator. I am more often in England than anywhere else. I love this place and Silverstone is one of my favorite circuits in the world.” Alpine races under the French flag but is based in Enstone, about a forty-five-minute drive from Silverstone. Colapinto, who has to fight to keep his F1 seat for next year, is naturally often found at the factory.
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