19/07/2026 09:58 - Deportes
For international fans following Argentine sports, Sunday, July 19, 2026, is a massive day. While the Argentine national team prepares for the FIFA World Cup final against Spain, Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto is gearing up for the Belgian Grand Prix. The young driver from Pilar, Argentina, did not hide his emotions, arriving at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit wearing the number 9 jersey of Julián Álvarez and carrying a giant flag featuring legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, as reported by TN.
In a press conference, Colapinto confessed: “I am more nervous about the final between Argentina and Spain than about the race itself.” Despite the immense sporting pressure of driving in F1, the Argentine showcased enormous pride for his country in what promises to be an unforgettable day.
After Saturday's qualifying session, the Argentine driver was highly critical of his car's performance. “We didn't improve at all compared to yesterday,” Colapinto remarked, stating that the car actually performed worse than it did during Friday's practice sessions, according to details from Clarín. Fortunately, due to penalties imposed on Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar for breaching FIA technical regulations, Colapinto moved up from 13th to 11th on the starting grid.
The Belgian track is one of the most iconic on the F1 calendar. Originally built in 1921 and remodeled in 1979, it is a true test of driving skill.
| Pos. | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli (ITA) | Mercedes |
| 2 | Max Verstappen (NED) | Red Bull |
| 3 | George Russell (GBR) | Mercedes |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc (MON) | Ferrari |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton (GBR) | Ferrari |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri (AUS) | McLaren |
| 7 | Arvid Lindblad (GBR) | Racing Bulls |
| 8 | Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA) | Audi |
| 9 | Liam Lawson (NZL) | Racing Bulls |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly (FRA) | Alpine |
| 11 | Franco Colapinto (ARG) | Alpine |
| 12 | Nico Hülkenberg (GER) | Audi |
| 13 | Lando Norris (GBR) | McLaren |
| 14 | Carlos Sainz (ESP) | Williams |
| 15 | Oliver Bearman (GBR) | Haas |
| 16 | Alexander Albon (THA) | Williams |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon (FRA) | Haas |
| 18 | Valtteri Bottas (FIN) | Cadillac |
| 19 | Sergio Pérez (MEX) | Cadillac |
| 20 | Lance Stroll (CAN) | Aston Martin |
| 21 | Isack Hadjar (FRA) | Red Bull |
| 22 | Fernando Alonso (ESP) | Aston Martin |
The race is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM (Argentine time). For international viewers, this is a prime-time event to watch alongside global football celebrations. The threat of rain remains a mystery in the Spa skies, which could add even more excitement to the competition.
Fans can follow the race live through Disney+ Premium, Fox Sports, and F1 TV. A day full of passion and sports awaits!
Alfredo S. Quiroga
