Sports · Motorsport · 1 hr ago
Alonso repeats criticism of lower-ranked F1 drivers after Austin clash
Fernando Alonso renewed his criticism of drivers near the back of Formula 1 ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Aston Martin driver made the comments after a first-lap collision with Williams driver Alex Albon at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
The crash damaged Alonso’s car, and he finished 16th while Albon finished 17th; neither received a penalty.
Alonso said the incident reflected a wider problem with driving standards among some drivers, not just one mistake.
Albon called the collision a close racing incident and rejected Alonso’s view, saying the standard across the grid is strong.
Other drivers, including Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly, also disagreed with Alonso’s criticism.
Alonso said lower-ranked drivers can face more mistakes because their cars have less grip, but argued that avoidable crashes damage teams, especially under the cost cap.
The disagreement remains unresolved as F1 heads into the Mexico City race, with Alonso saying he will not raise it at the drivers’ meeting.
Fernando Alonso repeated his criticism of driving standards among lower-ranked Formula 1 drivers after colliding with Alex Albon at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Alonso said the quality of drivers in the lower third of the grid was very low and argued that incidents on the opening lap were unnecessary.
Albon rejected Alonso’s view, saying the level of driving was strong across the grid.
The collision damaged both cars, but neither driver received a penalty and both continued.
Alonso finished 16th and Albon 17th in Austin.
- Who
- Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso and Williams driver Alex Albon.
- What
- Alonso renewed his criticism of driving standards among lower-ranked F1 drivers after a collision with Albon. Albon disagreed.
- When
- Alonso repeated his comments on Thursday, ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
- Where
- The collision happened at the United States Grand Prix in Austin; Alonso restated his comments in Mexico City.
- Why
- Alonso said the collision was an unnecessary mistake and that he had seen other incidents among drivers at the back of the grid. Albon said the grid’s level was strong.
Fernando Alonso
Alex Albon
Driving standards
Fernando Alonso
Alonso said the quality of drivers in the lower third of the grid was very low and that opening-lap incidents were unnecessary.
Alex Albon
Albon said the level was strong across the grid and that he did not agree with Alonso.
Austin collision
Fernando Alonso
Alonso said the mistake was not needed and that he found it difficult to understand the opportunity Albon saw.
Alex Albon
Albon described the clash as a 50/50 incident and said he thought their battle was good.
Alonso and Albon collided on the opening lap in Austin, damaging both cars.
Alonso criticised the quality of drivers in the lower third of the grid.
Alonso reiterated his criticism, while Albon rejected his view.
- Drivers involved
- Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon
- Race
- United States Grand Prix, Austin
- Collision
- Opening lap
- Penalty
- Neither driver received a penalty
- Alonso’s finish
- 16th
- Albon’s finish
- 17th
8 sources
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What people are saying
I think it's simply a very low level of driving and lack of talent
That was a mistake that was not needed and I still find it difficult to understand what opportunity Alex saw in that moment.
I think the level is strong up and down the grid.
I thought it was a good battle