What if every Formula 1 driver was a 2022 Qatar World Cup team

19-11-2022 18:08
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The World Cup, the Greatest Show on Earth, 32 to teams going hammer and tongue for the biggest prize in sport. But what if every Formula 1 driver was a World Cup team? 22 drivers have competed in 2022 meaning we can make 2 11 aside teams to decide the greatest Formula 1 Football team of 2022.

Mercedes - Hamilton Brazil, Russell Spain

Lets kick off with Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton who will donning the green and gold of Brazil. This was easy not only is Hamilton now an honorary citizen of Brazil but he’s also the most successful driver in the history of the sport, much like the Selecao and the World Cup. George Russell he’ll be representing 2010 World Champions Spain. A slick, classy act and will always be in the business end of the tournament however 2022 comes just too soon for Spain and Russell but no doubt a World Championship isn’t far off.

Aston Martin - Vettel Germany, Stroll USA

Sebastian Vettel is the only driver representing his own country. Germany and Vettel both have four crowns to their name and are regarded in the highest degree in sporting history however they’re not quite the same as they once were, still unbelieably talented and legends of the game. Lance Stroll will be donning the colours of his neighbours the USA. Probably have the biggest financial backing in the world but do not hit the heights that their infrastructure would suggest. Still solid and capable and probably deserve their place in the competition but never in contention for the title.

Alpine - Alonso Uruguay, Ocon Denmark

Fernando Alonso is a legend, two World Championships but has he hit the heights his potential offered? Joining him on two crowns are Uruguay and he’ll be representing the South American nation. Both Alonso and Uruguay are steeped in history, two World Championships but they now face an uphill task to add to that with underpowered players and cars. Esteban Ocon is Denmark, everyone’s dark horse who have been growing and growing over the last few years, one to look out for.

McLaren - Norris Switzerland, Ricciardo Argentina

Switzerland are trying to kick it with the big boys but just can’t quite seem to crack it and the same could be said for Lando Norris. Lots of ability but both are yet to secure a first major win and I expect the wait to go on, but Norris’ will arrive before Switzerland. Argentina are two time World Champions but their glory days are a thing of the past unless Messi and co can win in 2022, Similarly Daniel Ricciardo’s best days are history but he might be able to find a way back.

Ferrari - Leclerc Belgium, Sainz Mexico

Charles Leclerc is incredibly talented as are Belgium, but their best shot at a title is over and I don’t see either of them winning their next efforts. Leclerc’s time will come but the clock is ticking for Belgium’s golden generation. One of the most popular drivers on the grid, but not quite good enough for a title tilt, Sainz reminds me of Mexico so much talent but not quite the full package. He’ll need to channel his inner Guillermo Ochoa if he is to win a World title.

Williams - Albon Australia, Latifi Qatar

Alex Albon was a tough one but I’ve chosen Australia for the Williams man. Probably hasn’t got the materials to be competing with the big boys but is capable of a surprise. Nicholas Latifi will be Qatar, it’s often reported that Latifi only has a seat because of his financial backing, and although nothing is confirmed the Qatar World Cup has been plagued by suggestions that money was used to gain the right to host it. Nevertheless Latifi is one of the nicest guys on the grid and his constant smile will be missed in the paddock.

Haas - Schumacher South Korea, Magnussen Japan

Mick Schumacher will South Korea in our World XI. One big name in Heung Min Son but much like Mick Schumacher we’re still expecting an early exit up against the likes of Portugal and Uruguay. K-Mag on the other hand is here to stay… In F1 that is Japan are actually one of my teams in the sweepstake so I’ll be rooting for them but expectations aren’t high so a run to the last 16 will be a success. 

Alpha Tauri - Gasly Croatia, Tsunoda Ghana

Pierre Gasly is French but he’ll be representing the team France played in the final in 2018 Croatia. Still living off one moment, Gasly’s win at Monza and Croatia’s victory over England, yes I’m still bitter. They’re not the same teams they were back then and fresh start is needed. Yuki Tsunoda will be Ghana, not quite sure what you’ll get but passion, energy and charisma is guaranteed.

Alfa Romeo - Zhou Morocco, Bottas Netherlands

Over at the Alfa Romeo garage we’ll start with Guanyu Zhou and Morocco. Still untested at the top level but clearly has a lot of talent we’re just yet to see it all in full flow. And Valtteri Bottas is the Netherlands, runner up on several occasions but never quite crossed the finish line and won the crown. Not the same force they were but still a threat. 

Red Bull - Perez Portugal, Verstappen France

And finally Red Bull this is a fun one. Sergio Perez is Portugal, at a team dominated by one individual who insists on taking the limelight. Max Verstappen is Cristiano Ronaldo but behind every Ronaldo you have a team full of hard working individuals. For every Ronaldo there’s a Bernardo Silva, Perez is our Bernardo Silva, and that’s a compliment I’m a massive fan of the Man City man. And  Max Verstappen is France. Full of skill, ability and a ridiculous amount of talent probably the best in the competition but France have a history of squad fall outs and big egos. Recent events involving the Dutchman suggest his ego is not benefitting the team as has been the case with France in the past.

The rest

We’ve had two reserve drivers feature in 2022, Nico Hulkenberg will be Wales. He’s spent a few years away from the big time but he’s back now and Nyck de Vries is Ecuador we’re not sure what to expect but recent results in Formula E and F1 at Monza draw similarities to Ecuadors 

The Lineups

So here’s our XIs we’ve got Europe and the USA vs the Rest of the World. In goal for the World XI is Kevin Magunssen with a back four of Yuki Tsunoda, Guanyu Zhou, Nicholas Latifi and Mick Schumacher. A 433 sees Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo and Nyck de Vries in midfield. Our two wingers, on the left we’ve Lewis Hamilton and on the right Carlos Sainz providing creativity with Alex Albon up front. 

Our Europe and USA XI, in goal we’ve got Nico Hulkenberg, he’s a keeper, a back four sees Pierre Gasly partner new teammate Esteban Ocon at centre back, with Lance Stroll and Bottas our full backs. George Russell’s Spanish creativity is at the heart of our midfield with Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc alongside him. Sergio Perez, our Bernardo Silva is on the left flank, Lando Norris on the right with our attack spearheaded by none other than Cristiano Verstappen. 

Two great teams, need two great managers representing England will be Cristian Horner and the rest of the world will be masterclassed by Toto Wolff, unfortunately Austria didn’t qualify so he can fly the flag for Canada.

So who wins? You decide, let us know in the comments below.