Fernando Alonso Stands Firm on Critique of F1's Backmarkers, Albon Responds
Fernando Alonso remains critical of the driving standards among F1's backmarkers, following a collision with Alex Albon. Albon, however, disagrees with Alonso's assessment, standing by the quality of the current grid.
Fernando Alonso isn't backing down from his blunt assessment of the drivers at the rear of the F1 grid. The Aston Martin veteran, after a clash with Alex Albon at the United States Grand Prix, has reiterated that the lower third of the pack lacks driving talent. Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Alonso was given a chance to soften his stance but chose to stick to his guns.
Reflecting on the incident in Austin, where he and Albon tangled at Turn 11, Alonso remarked, "The quality of the drivers in the lower third of the grid is very low, as we saw today with Alex." When pressed further, Alonso clarified he wasn't counting drivers specifically but implied that those affected by his comments are self-evident. "So that tells you everything," he added.
Alonso remains puzzled by Albon's move in Austin, describing it as a needless error. He noted, "It’s not only Austin. Unfortunately, that part of the race for the whole season. So I see things from the car that I cannot tell you." When asked if driving standards are declining, Alonso responded, "No, I think it’s the same over the years," suggesting that cars at the back are harder to handle, leading to more frequent mistakes.
He also pointed to the cost cap as a complicating factor, with teams potentially content to risk damage in tight battles. "If their teams are happy with their cost cap and breaking things every race, it’s okay for them," he mused.
Alonso doesn't see a role for the FIA stewards in addressing these standards, unless there's something outright dangerous. "It’s just whatever ambition those drivers want for the future," he stated.
On the other side of the argument, Albon, speaking before the Mexican GP, expressed his respect for Alonso but disagreed with his critique. "I think we’re all in our own little fight at the back. I don’t think it’s the level of the drivers as much." Albon believes the grid is stronger now than in previous years, attributing Alonso's remarks to post-race heat.
Albon defended their on-track battle as "a good scrap," seeing the incident as a 50/50 situation. Upon hearing Alonso's unchanged view, Albon maintained his own position, valuing the strength across the grid and pointing out the absence of 'pay drivers' from a decade ago.
The Williams driver hopes the two won't clash again soon, quipping, "Hopefully, we don’t cross corners or cross paths in the race this weekend!"