F1 drivers gear up for the 2026 World Cup
It is an exciting time for football fans as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on Thursday, June 11, in Mexico City. The expanded 48-team tournament spans six weeks, crossing paths with the Barcelona-Catalunya, Austrian, British, and Belgian Grands Prix. For many on the grid, this means balancing the day job with keeping a close eye on the action.
Nineteen of the 22 drivers have a direct interest in the event, but loyalties vary. Kimi Antonelli, leading the Drivers' Championship for Mercedes, is torn between his love for Brazil and his admiration for Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is firmly committed to supporting Holland, noting, “Mine will be orange.” Sergio Perez and Alpine driver Franco Colapinto are both hoping to find time in their hectic schedules to catch matches in person, with Perez aiming to take his son to see Mexico play in Guadalajara.
Not every driver shares the same level of intensity. Gabriel Bortoleto, representing Audi, intends to focus strictly on team improvements rather than traveling for matches. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, however, admits he knows little about the sport. "I'll just enjoy it, being quite neutral about it," he says, though he would have liked to see Italy compete and is keen to see Cristiano Ronaldo potentially claim a trophy.
