Fans vote on F1's best driver starting XI ahead of World Cup

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, fans participated in a poll by Formula 1 to select the best driver starting XI for a paddock football team. George Russell has been chosen as the goalkeeper, while Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are the full-backs. Nico Hulkenberg and Max Verstappen form the center-back duo. In midfield, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris serve as a double pivot, with Kimi Antonelli positioned as the playmaker. Carlos Sainz, a standout footballer in charity matches, leads the attacking trio. The team is designed to showcase the drivers' footballing skills during the tournament festivities.