F1 might be one of the series that we primarily focus on at MotorSportsTalk, but sometimes we find ways to branch out into other sports. In this case, it’s soccer.
With the FIFA World Cup coming up in Brazil, a number of the current Formula 1 drivers are looking forwards to cheering on their home nations at the biggest event in soccer, and it is a good way for them to wind down from the racing.
“Yeah, I love football, I watch everything, so I will maybe be watching most of the games,” Brazilian driver Felipe Massa explained during the FIA press conference on Thursday. “I really hope that Brazil can be there in the final. To win the championship at home would be fantastic so I will be there watching and supporting Brazil.” Felipe, there’s a good chance that might just happen.
Germany will enjoy a considerable amount of support from the F1 paddock, with four drivers on the grid. “Well I hope that Germany is going to be good,” Nico Hulkenberg said. “But I’m not a football expert but I’m sure I’m going to be behind the TV following the World Cup.”
The likes of Mario Gotze and Manuel Neuer will also enjoy some support from Adrian Sutil, whose allegiance is split: “I’ll be watching, cheering for Uruguay and Germany, because I’m half Uruguayan.”
Uruguay is tasked with getting through a group that includes Italy and England, with the latter having the faintest of hopes of repeating its triumph in 1966.
Lewis Hamilton is hoping to get out to Brazil to watch a game, saying: “I don’t follow it as much, but I will probably catch a few games and I want to try and see if we can go out to one of the games at least. The dream will be to go and watch Brazil and England play, that would be pretty awesome.”
Compatriot Jenson Button said: “Yes, I totally agree. I’m not a massive football fan, I don’t support a team but when it comes to nationalities, countries playing, obviously I will be supporting England and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Final word to Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi: “Me? On soccer? I don’t really care so I don’t follow anything. All I know is that Japan is not really strong so I don’t care.”
The FIFA World Cup gets underway on June 13th in Brazil. Be sure to check out ProSoccerTalk for all of the latest reports and news from the tournament.
