Alonso aims to finish Spa GP and catch World Cup final

As Formula 1 arrives at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has candidly stated his primary goal is to finish the race and return home in time to watch Spain compete in the World Cup final. The two-time world champion made the remarks during media sessions on Thursday, July 16, ahead of the race weekend, which runs from July 17-19.

With Aston Martin mired at the back of the grid in a difficult 2026 season, having scored only a single point from the first nine rounds, Alonso expressed limited expectations for a strong result on Sunday. Instead, his focus is on the 9 p.m. European time kickoff for the soccer final in New York, where Spain will face reigning champion Argentina. Alonso acknowledged the logistical challenge, noting the team will be flying back after the race, which starts at 3 p.m. local time. He said he will likely miss the first half of the match and catch only the second half.

The sentiment is shared by other drivers with national ties to the final. Argentine Alpine driver Franco Colapinto said he would be much more nervous about the match than the race, recalling the intense emotions...