Sainz and Alonso overjoyed after Spain's World Cup win: 'What a team!'

They may not be enjoying a memorable Formula 1 season this year, but Alonso and Sainz can at least take home a major reason to celebrate away from the track this time. Franco Colapinto, on the other hand, likely endured a far more bittersweet evening.

The final of the long-running 2026 World Cup took place in the early European evening, bringing an end to the tournament that began last June as Argentina and Spain faced off at MetLife Stadium in the Big Apple.

Spain eventually came out on top, beating Lionel Messi's Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense contest that was only decided by a goal in the second period of extra time, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish audience, including, of course, the current F1 drivers.

The Williams driver was the first to react to Spain's victory on social media, resharing a post to his Instagram Stories and writing: "What madness!! Come on, Spain! Thank you for letting us enjoy an incredible World Cup. Champions!".

Shortly afterwards, the two-time world champion also reacted, and like his compatriot, he could not hide his delight: "What a team. So well deserved. Congratulations, Spain. The best.".

Ahead of the weekend, Alonso himself, aware that another difficult event lay ahead with Aston Martin desperately hoping the Hungaroring upgrades can turn around what has so far been a disappointing season, joked: "The main focus on Sunday will be to get home and watch the match, to be honest."

The race itself then lived up to the bleak expectations heading into the weekend, with Alonso being lapped twice after the safety car was deployed. It was hardly an encouraging afternoon for Sainz either, who finished 16th, just behind his teammate, although he at least managed to avoid being lapped.