With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin on June 11, Formula 1 drivers are just as excited as fans around the world. The expanded 48-team tournament will span six weeks and coincide with several Grand Prix weekends, including those in Barcelona, Austria, Britain, and Belgium. This means many F1 drivers will be balancing their racing schedules with following the World Cup closely.

Among the drivers, 19 out of 22 have a direct interest in the tournament as their home countries are participating. Notable exceptions include Charles Leclerc, Valtteri Bottas, and current Drivers' Championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli, who hails from Italy, expressed his disappointment at his country's absence from the World Cup. 'I don't know who I'm going to cheer for, to be fair, for the World Cup,' he said. 'But I'm definitely going to be watching pretty much all the games because it's just super cool.'

Max Verstappen, who has Belgian roots, has no doubts about his support for the Netherlands. 'I support of course Holland,' he said. 'That's my team and my country. So naturally, you would like to see them do very well.'

Sergio Perez is particularly excited about the World Cup as it will be held in Mexico, his home country. He plans to take his son to see Mexico play against South Korea in his hometown of Guadalajara. 'It's a World Cup at home, anything can happen,' he said. 'We have some really good players, so it can be a good surprise.'

Franco Colapinto, who met Lionel Messi in Miami, is also eagerly following the schedule. 'Football in Argentina is the number one sport,' he said. 'The passion there is insane. It's an experience I would like everyone to get once at least.'

Gabriel Bortoleto, despite Brazil's status as a favorite, will be focusing on his F1 commitments but plans to cheer for Brazil from afar. 'I will definitely be cheering for Brazil and watching most of the games on the TV or on my phone,' he said.

Charles Leclerc, however, admitted to having little knowledge of football. 'Sorry to disappoint you, I know literally nothing about football,' he said. 'I actually enjoy watching the games, but to tell you, 'I think this team is going to win against the other,' I have no idea.'

As the World Cup kicks off, F1 drivers will be among the millions of fans worldwide eagerly following the action, whether in person or from the comfort of their homes.