F1 Today | Alpine selects driver as Verstappen branded 'a f****** joke' by Russell

Franco Colapinto is expected to remain with Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the team set to confirm its driver line-up soon.

Pierre Gasly extended his contract with Alpine in September, leaving the second seat open between Paul Aron, Jack Doohan, and Colapinto, GPblog was able to report earlier in the season.

Colapinto joined Alpine ahead of the Grand Prix in Imola, as a replacement for Doohan. Despite some difficulties during the year, his recent performances, particularly in qualifying where he has often outpaced his teammate, have strengthened his position. GPblog understands that Alpine has decided to retain Colapinto for 2026 to complete its driver pairing.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell referred to Max Verstappen as “a fucking joke” over team radio following a series of on-track incidents.

Early in the race, Russell had expressed frustration about several drivers, including Verstappen, cutting corners at the start without receiving penalties.

On lap 6, Verstappen made a move on Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1, resulting in contact and Hamilton being forced wide.

Hamilton later rejoined and went off again at Turn 4 after a lock-up, while Verstappen also ran wide and rejoined at Turn 5, forcing Russell off track.

The incidents allowed Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to pass Russell. After pushing Bearman wide at Turn 8, Russell made the radio remark about Verstappen and compared the situation to his first go-kart race.

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