No updates to the car, no mismatch between the new cars and the circuit, and not even possible rain; no, for many drivers on Thursday at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, it quickly became about football. Naturally, given the dynamics in the paddock.
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The World Cup is alive. For a few weeks now, actually, it was also a popular topic of conversation at previous races. But now that the semi-finals are over and it is clear that Spain and Argentina will fight each other shortly after the Belgian Grand Prix for the world title, global football is more alive than ever in the paddock.
The biggest smile appears this Thursday in the Belgian Ardennes on the face of Franco Colapinto. The Argentine immediately speaks up when the semi-final against England is mentioned. “I am incredibly proud of my country,” he says. “The way this team represents Argentina is impressive. You can feel how much passion is in it.”
The Alpine driver, who has an excellent relationship with his compatriot and superstar Lionel Messi, watched the match Wednesday evening together with some team members. His British colleagues will have enjoyed it a little less: no final for Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Arvid Lindblad, Alex Albon, and George Russell.
Disappointment is certainly widespread, given the British dominance in the paddock. Mechanics, engineers, and journalists walk around on Thursday with slightly grumpy faces. Some more than others, but still. Because England again falls short just before the final. It is a recurring theme that has now become almost as traditional as rain at Spa.
And the French? Yes, they are still upset as well. “No questions about football today,” says passionate fan Pierre Gasly, albeit with a wink. Losing is also part of the sport, knows Colapinto’s teammate at Alpine.
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On the other side of the paddock, there is healthy tension. For Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, Sunday is also a special final. Their Spain is always the other finalist, ready for a battle with Colapinto’s heroes.
Spain: Alonso and Sainz
The Argentine can hardly hide his enthusiasm. “I think I am more nervous for the final than for the race,” he laughs. “Spain against Argentina… it hardly gets better. We are both Latin countries, speak the same language, and have many similarities. That makes it special.”
And those two Spaniards? They hope to make the best of the race before the football. Although according to Alonso, that will still be difficult in Aston Martin’s case. “I expect little from our weekend. My focus will mainly be on getting home as quickly as possible and missing as little of the final as possible.”
In a Formula 1 paddock where more than forty nationalities come together, a World Cup final is in any case an event that gets everyone glued to the screen at the same time. Sunday football is central; except of course in the afternoon hours: then the eyes are really on the king class of motorsport.
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Read everything about the Belgian GP here
