George Russell on the podium in Singapore. Photo RacePictures.

F1 LIVE | Button retires from racing as Alpine picks its driver for 2026

07:00, 30 Oct

Updated: 08:20, 30 Oct

byNorberto Mujica

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Verstappen triggers 'this kid's a fucking joke' comment from Russell

During the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell described Max Verstappen as “a joke” over team radio following multiple on-track incidents.

Earlier, Russell had complained that several drivers, including Verstappen, had cut corners at the start without receiving penalties.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton banging wheels in Mexico. Photo: RacePictures.

On lap 6, Verstappen attempted an overtake on Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1, causing contact that forced Hamilton wide. Hamilton later went off at Turn 4 after a lock-up, while Verstappen also ran wide and rejoined at Turn 5, which pushed Russell off track.

As a result, Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli overtook Russell. After later forcing Bearman wide at Turn 8, Russell made the radio remark about Verstappen, stating the situation reminded him of his first go-kart race.

Alpine takes its pick

Franco Colapinto is set to continue with Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the team expected to announce its driver line-up shortly.

Pierre Gasly renewed his contract with the French outfit in September, leaving the second seat to be decided between Paul Aron, Jack Doohan, and Colapinto, as GPblog had previously reported.

Franco Colapinto in the paddock at COTA - Photo: Race Pictures

The Argentine driver joined Alpine earlier this season as a stand-in for Doohan. Although his campaign included several challenging weekends, Colapinto’s recent performances, especially in qualifying, where he has outperformed his teammate in recent races, have strengthened his case.

GPblog understands Alpine has now chosen to retain Colapinto for the upcoming season to finalise its driver pairing.

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