Alonso repeats criticism of talent level among back-of-grid Formula 1 drivers
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has stood by his view that the lower part of the Formula 1 grid lacks talent, ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. Williams driver Alex Albon disagrees.
Fernando Alonso, the Spanish driver for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, repeated his criticism of lower-ranked drivers ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, a round of the Formula 1 season. He first made the comments after a collision with Williams driver Alex Albon at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Albon does not agree with his assessment.
What happened in Austin
On the opening lap of the US Grand Prix, Albon tried to pass Alonso for 12th place going into the Turn 11 hairpin. He hit the side of the Aston Martin, and both cars were damaged. Neither driver was penalised. Both continued, with Alonso finishing 16th and Albon 17th.
Alonso's comments
After the race, Alonso said the quality of drivers in the bottom third of the grid was very low. At Thursday's media day he did not change that position. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he described it as a low level of driving and a lack of talent. He said the first lap is not the end of the world for those with confidence and talent to wait a lap or two, and named Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli as drivers who have won after starting from the back.
Alonso said he would not raise the matter at Friday's drivers' meeting, calling it part of the game. He also pointed to the cost cap, saying some teams are content to break parts at every race because they can afford to pay for them.
Albon's response
Albon learned of the comments at the FIA press conference. He said he has great respect for Alonso but disagrees, arguing that the level across the grid is strong. In his view, the back half of the grid 10 to 15 years ago was not as strong as it is now, and there are no longer pay drivers.
