Fernando Alonso has doubled down on his criticism of “low-level” drivers on the Formula 1 grid, insisting they simply have a “lack of talent.”
The two-time world champion, who has been languishing at the back of the field this year with Aston Martin, was embroiled in an on-track battle with Williams’ Alex Albon last Sunday at the US Grand Prix.
Albon went into the side of Alonso’s car on lap one, damaging both cars, prompting Alonso to claim post-race that the standard of drivers in the bottom third of the grid was “very low.”
Yet when asked about his outburst on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s grand prix in Mexico City, the 45-year-old refused to renege on his opinions.
"I think it's simply a very low level of driving and lack of talent," he said.
"When you make repeated mistakes throughout the season and have crashes and 50 per cent of your race is in lap one... if I was the team principal I would not be happy. But if they are happy, I'm OK with that.
"When I see Max [Verstappen], Lewis [Hamilton] starting at the back when they change the engine or whatever, Kimi in Monza, they still win the races. Lap one is not the end of the world when you have your confidence and the talent to wait for one or two more laps."
When asked about the comments, 30-year-old Albon – who raced for Red Bull prior to Williams – admitted it “wasn’t nice to hear” but simply opined that he didn’t agree with the outspoken Spaniard.
"I'll double down with what I said as well,” Albon said in the FIA press conference. “I have a huge respect for Fernando. I looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid," said the Williams driver.
"It's not nice to hear those comments in many ways. You're racing someone that you look up to, but at the same time, I don't agree. It's as simple as that.
"I think level is strong up and down the grid. I think 10, 15 years ago, the back half the grid wasn't the way it is now. We don't have pay drivers anymore. It is what it is. Hopefully, we don't cross corners or cross paths in the race this weekend!"
Alonso, who has just seven points to his name this season, is teammates with Lance Stroll, the son of Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll. Stroll is one of three drivers, alongside the Cadillac pair of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, who is yet to score a point this year.
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