F1 LIVE | Russell Brands Verstappen 'a F***ing Joke,' Alpine Picks Its Driver

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell expressed his frustration over team radio, labeling Max Verstappen's on-track maneuvers as "a joke." This comes amidst multiple incidents involving Verstappen, Russell, and Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Alpine is set to finalize its 2026 driver lineup, with Franco Colapinto reportedly chosen to partner Pierre Gasly.

Why it matters:

George Russell's heated comments highlight the intense rivalries and high-stakes nature of Formula 1 racing, where driver aggression can lead to controversial incidents. Such remarks often spark debates among fans and pundits about racing etiquette and penalties. Concurrently, Alpine's decision on its 2026 driver pairing is crucial for the team's long-term strategy and will impact the career trajectory of young talents like Franco Colapinto.

The details:

• Russell's Outburst: During the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell called Max Verstappen "a f***ing joke" over team radio. This remark followed a series of incidents on track.
• On-Track Incidents: On lap 6, Verstappen's attempted overtake on Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1 led to contact, forcing Hamilton wide. Later, Hamilton went off at Turn 4 after a lock-up. Verstappen also ran wide and rejoined at Turn 5, which pushed Russell off track.
  • These maneuvers allowed Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to overtake Russell.
  • Russell's specific comment about Verstappen came after the latter reportedly forced Bearman wide at Turn 8, reminding Russell of his first go-kart race.
• Alpine's Driver Selection: Franco Colapinto is reportedly set to continue with Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
  • Pierre Gasly renewed his contract in September, leaving the second seat to be decided.
  • The contenders for the seat were Paul Aron, Jack Doohan, and Colapinto.
• Colapinto's Strengthening Case: Colapinto joined Alpine earlier this season as a stand-in for Doohan. Despite some challenging weekends, his recent qualifying performances, where he has consistently outperformed his teammate, have bolstered his position within the team.

What's next:

Russell's comments could add to the ongoing narrative of driver rivalries and potentially lead to further scrutiny of Verstappen's aggressive driving style by the stewards or the F1 community. For Alpine, an official announcement regarding Colapinto's contract is expected soon, which will confirm their 2026 driver lineup and provide clarity on the team's strategic direction as they prepare for the future of Formula 1.