Franco Colapinto Sparks Backlash After Provocative England Jibe at Goodwood Festival

Franco Colapinto drew angry reactions from English supporters at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 13, 2026, after joking about Argentina’s upcoming World Cup semi-final against England. The Argentine Formula 1 driver’s remarks-delivered in front of a crowd packed with Three Lions fans-sparked immediate backlash, overshadowing his usual charm offensive. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Grand Prix’s return to the 2026 calendar remains in doubt amid Middle East tensions.

What Did Colapinto Say to Provoke the Crowd?

Speaking at the Festival of Speed, Colapinto admitted his rivalry with England extends beyond football. “My favourite rival is England on Wednesday,” he told the crowd, “I was praying for England to pass so we can beat them.” The joke-referencing Argentina’s need for England to advance past another team to face them-didn’t land well. Fans jeered, and Colapinto quickly backtracked, adding: “I’m surrounded by English people… I’m scared of [Jude] Bellingham only.” His attempt to lighten the mood failed as the boos grew louder.

Why England Fans Turned on Colapinto

The reaction stems from Colapinto’s growing reputation as a bold, outspoken figure in F1-one who isn’t afraid to rub rivals the wrong way. His comments mirrored Argentina’s aggressive footballing style under Lionel Scaloni, but the timing was poor. With England’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, the crowd saw his remarks as disrespectful. Colapinto’s team, Williams Racing, issued no official response, leaving the incident to fester in fan forums.

Bahrain GP Uncertainty Looms Over F1’s 2026 Schedule

Separately, the Bahrain Grand Prix’s planned return in October faces fresh obstacles. A reliable source told GPBlog that the race was nearly confirmed until recent Middle East escalations derailed plans. If added, it would create a chaotic triple-header with Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Singapore-though F1’s logistics team is now scrambling to assess feasibility. The sport’s calendar remains fluid, with teams bracing for last-minute changes.

What Comes Next for Colapinto?

The Goodwood incident won’t affect Colapinto’s F1 career, but it underscores his knack for controversy. His next challenge: Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England on July 17. Whether he’ll avoid another diplomatic misstep remains to be seen. For now, the focus stays on F1’s calendar chaos-and whether Colapinto’s next headline will be on the track or in the stands.