F1 Today: Alpine Confirms Driver, Russell Blasts Verstappen

Alpine is reportedly set to confirm Franco Colapinto will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, partnering Pierre Gasly. This decision follows Colapinto's strong recent performances, particularly in qualifying. Meanwhile, George Russell voiced strong frustration over team radio during the Mexico City Grand Prix, calling Max Verstappen "a f****** joke" after a series of aggressive on-track incidents.

Why it matters:

Alpine's driver lineup confirmation is a key piece of the 2026 grid puzzle, showcasing their commitment to nurturing talent within their academy. Colapinto's retention suggests he has proven his worth despite earlier difficulties. Russell's heated comments about Verstappen, on the other hand, highlight the intense rivalry and the fine line between aggressive racing and dangerous driving, often sparking debate among fans and pundits about racing standards.

The details:

• Alpine's Driver Selection: Franco Colapinto is expected to be confirmed alongside Pierre Gasly for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Gasly extended his contract in September, leaving the second seat contested by Paul Aron, Jack Doohan, and Colapinto.
• Colapinto replaced Doohan ahead of the Imola Grand Prix. Despite some early season struggles, his recent qualifying performances, often outperforming his teammate, have solidified his position within the team.
• Russell's Frustration with Verstappen: During the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell used strong language over team radio to describe Max Verstappen's driving.
  • Lap 6 Incident: Verstappen made contact with Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1, forcing Hamilton wide. Hamilton later rejoined but went off again at Turn 4 after a lock-up.
  • Russell Forced Off: Verstappen also ran wide and rejoined at Turn 5, which resulted in Russell being forced off track, allowing Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to pass him.
  • Radio Remark: After pushing Bearman wide at Turn 8, Russell made the “f****** joke” remark about Verstappen and compared the situation to his first go-kart race, expressing his extreme frustration with the aggressive maneuvers.

The big picture:

Alpine's decision reflects a broader trend of F1 teams investing in and promoting their junior drivers, aiming for long-term stability and success. For Colapinto, this is a significant career milestone. The ongoing tension and sharp exchanges between drivers like Russell and Verstappen underscore the high stakes and competitive pressures in F1, often leading to controversial on-track battles and heated radio messages that captivate the audience.

What's next:

Expect official confirmation from Alpine regarding Colapinto's contract for 2026 soon. The fallout from Russell's comments about Verstappen could lead to further discussion or even an investigation by race stewards, depending on the context and any previous warnings. These incidents contribute to the evolving narratives and rivalries that define the Formula 1 season.