Alonso defends criticism of F1 driving standards after Albon clash

FILE PHOTO – Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin Racing Team arrives at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. (is associated with: «Alonso defends criticism of F1 driving standards after Albon clash») David Davies/PA Wire/dpa

Fernando Alonso stood by his claim that the quality at the back of the Formula One grid is “very low” as Alex Albon said he hopes the pair do not cross paths in Mexico this weekend.

Two-time world champion Alonso made the withering remarks after colliding with Albon on the first lap in Austin last weekend.

The Spaniard was not about to backtrack on his view. Aston Martin have endured a dire season which means Alonso has found himself fighting for the lower positions throughout the campaign.

The 45-year-old reiterated that he could not understand what Albon was doing during the incident and is firm in his belief about the standard of those driving around him.

“I think we all know which ones we talk about and which ones felt hit by that comment, so that tells you everything,” Alonso said ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.

“I still feel the same. It was a mistake that was not needed and I still find it difficult to understand what opportunity Alex saw in that moment.

“It is not only Austin, I have been unfortunately in that part of the race all season. I see things from the car that I cannot tell you.

“It’s the same over the years. It’s whatever ambition those drivers have for the future, if they want to stay in F1, to have opportunity at a bigger team or if they are happy to crash.”

Albon was asked to address Alonso’s comments from last weekend and initially put them down to heat-of-the-moment remarks.

But when informed that Alonso had continued in his assertion, Albon said: “I’ll double down on what I said as well. I have huge respect for Fernando. I looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid.

“Obviously, it’s not nice to hear those comments. You’re racing someone that you looked up to, but at the same time, I don’t agree. It’s as simple as that.

“I think the level is strong up and down the grid. Ten or 15 years ago, the back half of the grid wasn’t the way it is now. You don’t have pay drivers anymore.

“It is what it is. Hopefully, we don’t cross paths in the race this weekend!”

Albon’s Williams team have also found life difficult in 2026 and been unable to regularly compete for the points.

Carlos Sainz has a similar experience to his compatriot Alonso, having left Ferrari where he was winning races and now finding himself battling against drivers at the back.

“I think the words towards Alex were very harsh,” Sainz said. “I rate Alex very highly.

“I have never been in the bottom third of the grid until this year.

“It is definitely not enjoyable. Not so much because of the quality but because you fight people who have little to lose because the best you will achieve is P20 anyway.

“But I’ve been on the grid 12 years, if one year is the highest level of talent I think it is this one. I cannot think of anyone who is not up to F1 standards.

“I’m not gonna put myself in the shoes of Fernando, from my position it is a very frustrating position. Two years ago I was winning here in Mexico. This year I will probably be starting about 17th. I am the same driver, if anything better than I was in 2024.

“I can only tell you it is extremely frustrating, sometimes difficult to accept.”

Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.