Albon and rivals push back after Alonso criticises F1 driving standards
Alex Albon and other Formula 1 drivers rejected Fernando Alonso’s criticism of the lower third of the grid after their first-lap clash at the United States Grand Prix. Alonso maintained his view, while Albon said the comments were difficult to hear and disputed the idea that the back of the field lacks quality.
Alonso was critical after a first-lap clash with Williams driver Alex Albon at Austin left his Aston Martin with floor damage. According to the reports, the damage reduced his downforce and affected his race on what had looked like a more competitive weekend.
In the aftermath, Alonso said the quality of drivers in the lower third of the Formula 1 field was very low, and later stood by those comments. Autosport also reported that he said the drivers he was referring to would know who they were.
Albon responded by saying Alonso’s criticism was not nice to hear and rejected the suggestion that Formula 1 still has pay drivers or a lack of quality at the back. Charles Leclerc also defended Albon and said the level across the grid is very high, while other rivals similarly pushed back on Alonso’s claim.
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