The two-time Formula One world champion mentioned that Aston Martin’s challenging season has made football the primary draw, as the team has experienced a frustrating campaign yielding only one point from the first nine races.
Belgium might be the last race before Aston Martin begins to improve its fortunes, with a significant chassis upgrade slated for the upcoming Grand Prix and additional engine enhancements expected later in the season.
However, Alonso’s thoughts are increasingly on football.
“It will be a different experience. We don’t have high expectations for this weekend. The main priority on Sunday will be to get home and watch the match, to be honest,” Alonso expressed.
The timing poses a challenge, as the Belgian Grand Prix concludes just a few hours before the World Cup final kicks off.
Alonso acknowledged that catching the full match is unlikely as he makes his way home after the race.
“It’s going to be complicated since we are flying back home,” he stated.
“Perhaps I’ll watch the second half. I might miss the first half,” he added.
Spain is aiming for its second World Cup title after beating France in the semifinals, while defending champions Argentina are hoping to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the sport’s top prize.
Alonso isn’t the only Formula One driver experiencing mixed feelings.
Argentina’s Franco Colapinto, racing for Alpine, and fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Williams will also be keeping an eye on the events across the ocean.
Colapinto remarked that he will feel more anxious about the World Cup final than the race itself.
“I’ll be much more nervous about the match than the race,” the Argentine admitted.
Reflecting on Argentina’s thrilling semifinal comeback against England, Colapinto shared that the emotional highs and lows are part of supporting the world champions.
“We endured a lot of excitement, a lot of anxiety. But if you don’t suffer a bit, you’re not Argentinian.
“It was one of those matches where you feel extremely nervous but then celebrate intensely. So it was a long night, but very enjoyable.”
For many drivers on the Formula One grid, the most significant contest this Sunday may ultimately hinge on the outcome of football’s biggest match later that evening.
