(Motorsport-Total.com) – The start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA is also occupying the Formula 1 paddock. Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg has already revealed before the Barcelona Grand Prix that he will not miss the most important matches. “Yes, of course I will watch,” says the German.
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Although Hülkenberg will not follow “every single game and not every minute” of the tournament, “but whenever possible, definitely. And when our national team plays, then of course even more so.” The first match of the DFB selection is scheduled for Sunday evening (from 7 PM) against Curacao.
However, the Formula 1 driver holds back on predictions about Germany’s performance. “I am many things, but certainly not a football expert,” says Hülkenberg with a smile. “So I’ll just put on the jersey, drink a beer, cheer on the team, and hope for the best.”
Fernando Alonso Sees Spain as World Cup Favorite
Fernando Alonso sees it similarly, naturally rooting for the Spanish national team. “I hope we reach the final,” says the Aston Martin driver. “We are European champions and I think we are very strong. So hopefully we make it to the final.”
Who, in his opinion, poses the greatest threat to Spain? “I don’t know,” Alonso ponders. “I would say France, because they also have a very good team and strong players. But in World Cups, there are always surprises, of course.”
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The two-time world champion can’t resist a little jab. “Not many in this paddock understand anything about football,” Alonso says. “It used to be Giancarlo Fisichella and some of the other Italians. But Italy hasn’t been in a World Cup for three decades.”
Antonelli jokes: Italy won’t be football world champions
Nevertheless, Alonso counts current World Cup leader Kimi Antonelli among the few recognized football connoisseurs in Formula 1. “But perhaps Antonelli will be older when Italy returns to the World Cup,” the Spaniard adds with a slight smirk.
And Antonelli himself? The 19-year-old Italian reacts with a winking World Cup tip: “Well, it definitely won’t be us,” says the Mercedes driver with a grin. “I don’t know. There are too many strong teams. But of course, I’ve been a big fan of Messi since he played in Barcelona.”
“I think it’s going to be a very close fight,” says Antonelli. “Argentina is very strong, Spain is very strong, England is very strong, Germany too. So let’s see. I really can’t give a concrete answer to that.”
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