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Fernando Alonso doubles down on poor F1 driving standards after Austin clash

The Aston Martin driver says he stands by his comments and that those targeted know who they are.

By , Sports writer

· 2 min read

Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso (file photo) Photo: Zach Catanzareti Photo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Fernando Alonso has repeated his criticism of Formula 1 driving standards following his collision with Alexander Albon at the US Grand Prix. Speaking in Mexico City, Alonso said he was not naming specific drivers but that everyone knows who he means.

Key takeaways

  • Alonso was hit by Alexander Albon on lap one at the US Grand Prix in Austin.
  • Alonso said the quality of drivers in the lower third of the grid is very low.
  • He said he stands by his comments made after the Austin race.
  • Alonso said driving standards have not deteriorated over the years.
  • He said the issue is down to teams and drivers rather than stewards.

Fernando Alonso has doubled down on his criticism of Formula 1 driving standards after being hit by Alexander Albon on the opening lap of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack said the contact cost Alonso a considerable amount of downforce. Speaking in the media pen after Sunday’s race at the Circuit of the Americas, Alonso said: "When you start at the back, there is always this risk.

I think the quality of the drivers in the lower third of the grid is very low, as we saw today with Alex.

" Although the comment was made in the heat of the moment, Alonso said during media day in Mexico City that he still fully stands by his words.

Alonso stands by comments

Alonso said he does not believe driving standards have gradually deteriorated in Formula 1. " He explained that cars at the back of the grid are more difficult to drive, have less grip, and make mistakes more often because the environment is not under control.

He added that the car does not welcome drivers in a nice way.

However, he said all the incidents on lap one, all the touches, and all the front wings flying around are not necessary, especially if drivers are fighting for nothing at the back of the grid.

Cost cap and stewards

Alonso said the cost cap adds to the problem, but added that if teams are happy with the cost cap and breaking things every race, it is okay for them. He said avoiding damage might help his team even without a rethink of the cost cap.

This point is notable because Williams team principal James Vowles has repeatedly called for a rethink of the cost cap.

Alonso said he does not see the issue as being so much about the stewards, who may not always be consistent, but rather about the teams and drivers themselves. He said: "No, I think the stewards, it's not their job unless there is something clearly unsafe.

So it's not part of the stewards' job. "

Season-long context

Alonso said he has been at the back of the grid for the whole season and sees things from the car that he cannot tell. He said Aston Martin’s pure pace was good enough to challenge for points.

He said he is not specific about the number of drivers he meant, but that everyone knows which ones felt targeted by his comment.

He described the Austin incident as a mistake that was not needed and said he still finds it difficult to understand what opportunity Alexander Albon saw in that moment.

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