It’s a big weekend in sport, with plenty of action wherever you look. It’s one of the most prestigious race weekends on the Formula 1 calendar at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix. But, of course, the World Cup also reaches its climax on Sunday evening for the eagerly awaited final in New York.
When the tournament began, 18 drivers’ nations were represented by 11 teams, and the mood was high throughout the paddock as the group stages got underway. 102 games later and with the final two teams confirmed, there are just three drivers left standing. Spain – with Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz – and Argentina – with Franco Colapinto.
Meanwhile, Saturday night’s bronze medal match will be contested by England and France, which we’re sure will be eagerly watched by Pierre Gasly, Isack Hadjar, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Ollie Bearman, and Arvid Lindblad. But how are the drivers feeling about these two games, where it’s still all to play for?
Spanish excitement for the European Champions
The Spanish haven’t been at their fluid best, but their resolute defending and impeccable midfield have made them unbeatable so far. The stunning 2-0 victory against an in-form French side reminded the world how much quality the 2024 European Champions have, as well as providing plenty of joy for our two Spanish members of the paddock, Sainz and Alonso.
Maybe Sainz will want to take some credit for his nation’s heroic victory against France – his good luck message to the team ahead of the tournament clearly did the trick!
“To the entire Spanish national football team, the very best of luck in this World Cup. We will be right behind you every step of the way. The whole of Spain is with you. A big hug and lots of luck.”
Both Williams’ and Aston Martin’s form have been nothing to shout home about so far this season, but Sainz and Alonso will be hopeful for some luck on Sunday afternoon and evening, as Spain look for a second star on their shirt.
Could it be two on the bounce for Argentina…?
Before the weekend’s action had even begun, there was no driver happier than Alpine’s Colapinto. He entered the paddock with a huge smile on his face, proudly donning an Argentinian football shirt with Messi’s number 10 on the back, of course. And it’s no wonder, after his national team came back from a goal down to win 2-1 against England in the final 10 minutes of Wednesday night’s intense semi-final match.
During Thursday’s media sessions, the Argentinian was eager to chat football – even when asked about his own race weekend! When asked by Sky Sports F1 about what he thought about the team coming from behind to win in the final minutes, the Alpine man took it as inspiration.
“In Argentina we learn since we are young never to give up and to keep pushing, and in the tricky moments and situations, to keep going forward, and that’s exactly what they’ve done. That’s why I am so proud to be Argentinian, and I’m so proud to be supporting our country and the way that they defended the shirt.
“In this World Cup, they have not been playing great at times, but they always give their maximum until the very end. I really appreciate what they’ve done for us and the country. I’m proud to be supporting my country – they teach me to not give up in my sport, to keep trying until the very end as it’s never over until it’s over – that’s what they showed on the pitch.”
It goes without saying, Colapinto’s nerves won’t fade when he crosses the chequered flag on Sunday afternoon – but after a victory four years ago for his nation, he has reason to be confident ahead of kick-off!
French pain
The French drivers are some of the biggest footballing enthusiasts on the grid, so it came as no surprise that they were distraught their national team didn’t get the chance to better their runner-up position from the 2022 tournament.
Despite looking like the team to beat throughout the majority of the group and knockout stages, France were overcome convincingly by Spain in their semi-final on Tuesday night, and will instead face England in the bronze medal match on Saturday night.
It won’t be coming home just yet for England
It’s been 60 years of hurt, and England fans will need to wait a few more years after a painful loss to Argentina in the closing stages of Wednesday night’s semi-final. When asked about it on Media Day, it’s no surprise the feeling was pretty mutual amongst the English drivers, including Hamilton.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he admitted, “I watched in pain last night, but I’m so proud of the boys for getting us as far as they did. I can imagine how much work they put in, and how much time and effort, and of course they had all the support. But it was tough against Argentina. I just felt gutted for them, sitting there with my fingers, everything crossed, hoping that we would pull it off! We’ll bounce back!”
Although Lindblad is much younger than his compatriot Hamilton, it seems he’s already getting used to the tough losses that have plagued his national team throughout the years.
“I did watch the game, but I wasn’t enjoying it. I can understand it’s an incredibly difficult team to play for, and I think for me, it was just sad as a fan. I felt like it was one of the first times in a while that I’ve watched England, and they really had that grit. It felt like they really wanted to win.
“They were playing against Argentina, and I believe we were the better team up to their goal. It’s just 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 get to go through because I think the team worked hard enough.”
Despite the heartbreak, Bearman was able to draw positives from the tournament as a whole, which saw England make just their fourth-ever FIFA World Cup semi-final. “It was really nice to get into some football again, I enjoyed watching it. Although it wasn’t the result we were looking for, it was still a great performance. I think as a Brit, I can be proud that we did a strong performance.”
