Franco Colapinto Cheers for Argentina at the F1 Belgian Grand Prix During the World Cup Final

The World Cup Final Meets Formula 1

Imagine you are a race car driver, about to compete in a huge race, but the biggest soccer match in the world is happening at the same time. That’s exactly what happened to Franco Colapinto!

The World Cup final (the biggest soccer tournament on Earth) was being felt and played everywhere — even thousands of kilometers away from New Jersey (where the final was), and just hours before the Belgian Grand Prix (a big Formula 1 race) was about to start.

• Franco Colapinto is an Argentine driver who races for Alpine (a Formula 1 team).
• Just like he did all weekend and in every race that overlapped with the World Cup, Franco showed up at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit (the race track in Belgium) wearing the Argentina national team shirt.
• He surprised everyone by carrying a flag featuring Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona (two legendary Argentine soccer players).

Important: Franco was about to start the Belgian GP from 11th position, but he was still fully in “fan mode” for the World Cup final!

Both Formula 1 and Alpine (his team) shared videos and photos of Franco arriving at the track ready for both the race and the soccer final.

Franco Arrives as an Argentine Fan

When Franco got to the track’s “paddock” (the area where teams and drivers prepare), he was clearly supporting Argentina.

• Formula 1’s official account wrote: “Franco representing Argentina on race day!” with a video of him showing the flag to photographers.
• Alpine also posted about him, even making him sing:
  • “Olé, olé, olé…” as he waved the flag in the pit lane (the road where cars stop for tires).
  • He also sang a popular World Cup chant: “Por Malvinas por el Diego, por la última de Leo…” (a song about Argentine soccer heroes).

Before hitting the track, Franco was living the World Cup final right there in the F1 paddock.

The Final Is Already Playing in the Paddock

Franco is not the only driver mixing soccer with racing at Spa-Francorchamps.

• Carlos Sainz, a Spanish driver, also arrived wearing his Spain national team shirt and showed it off with his team in the pit lane.
  F1 wrote online: “Carlos is here! Wearing the @SEFutbol shirt on race day!”
• Fernando Alonso (another Spanish driver) didn’t wear a shirt but had fun playing soccer games in his Aston Martin team box.

So the World Cup spirit was everywhere in the racing garage area!

Colapinto Goes for Points in Spa

Now to the racing part. Sunday was race day for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

• Franco Colapinto started the race in 11th place.
• His goal: get into the points zone (top 10) — meaning finish in the first ten to earn championship points.

Here is how to watch:

1. The Grand Prix started at 10:00 AM Argentina time.
2. You could watch it on Fox Sports and Disney+ Premium.
3. You could also follow it live on Olé’s website with minute-by-minute updates, videos, and more.

Important: Starting 11th means Franco had to pass at least one car to reach the top 10 and score points.

Want to Know More?

• Why were four drivers penalized to help Colapinto in the Belgian GP? (See Olé’s extra article)
• How did the starting grid (line-up) for the Belgian GP end up? (See Olé’s extra article)

Summary

Franco Colapinto, an Argentine Formula 1 driver for Alpine, showed up at the Belgian Grand Prix wearing Argentina’s soccer shirt and waving a Messi–Maradona flag, celebrating the World Cup final while preparing to race. Other drivers like Carlos Sainz (Spain shirt) and Fernando Alonso also joined the soccer fun. Franco started 11th and aimed for a top-10 points finish. The race aired at 10 AM Argentine time on Fox Sports and Disney+ Premium, with live coverage on Olé.

FAQ

1. Who is Franco Colapinto?
He is a young Argentine Formula 1 driver who races for the Alpine team.

2. What is the “paddock” in Formula 1?
It is the special area at the race track where drivers and teams get ready, park their cars, and meet the press.

3. What does “top 10 points zone” mean?
In F1, only the first 10 finishers earn championship points, so being in the top 10 is a big deal.

4. Did other drivers support their countries too?
Yes! Carlos Sainz wore a Spain shirt, and Fernando Alonso played soccer games in his team box.

5. Where could fans watch the Belgian GP?
On Fox Sports, Disney+ Premium, or live on Olé’s website with text and video updates.