Fernando Alonso doubles down on Alex Albon and F1 field criticism ahead of Mexico City Grand Prix

30.10.2026, 02:19 skysports.com

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso has doubled down on his criticism of "low level" Formula 1 drivers who have a "lack of talent" following his collision with Williams' Alex Albon in Austin.

Albon tried to overtake Alonso for 12th place into the Turn 11 hairpin on the opening lap of the United States Grand Prix, but went into the side of the Aston Martin driver, damaging both cars.

Neither driver received a penalty and both were able to continue with Alonso finishing 16th and Albon in 17th in Austin.

Post-race, Alonso stated the quality of the drivers in the bottom third of F1's grid is "very low" and he had not changed his stance in Thursday's media day ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.

"I think it's simply a very low level of driving and lack of talent," he told Sky Sports F1.

"When you make repeated mistakes throughout the season and have crashes and 50 per cent of your race is in Lap 1, 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 1 is not the end of the world when you have your confidence and the talent to wait for one or two more laps."

Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver says he 'is built differently' amid defiance over extending his F1 career into 2030s

Mexico City GP 2026: Dates, schedule, weather, UK start time and how to watch or stream F1 race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez live on Sky Sports

George Russell: Mercedes driver insists 2026 Formula 1 season 'won't break me' as he looks set to lose title to Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli misses Mexico City GP media day due to viral illness ahead of likely world championship coronation

Mexico City GP: Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris among 10 F1 drivers to miss first practice

Kimi Antonelli F1 title permutations: How Mercedes driver can win 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship at Mexico City GP on Sunday

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Alonso says he will not bring up the issue in Friday's drivers' meeting as "it's part of the game" and it is down to Aston Martin to start higher up the grid to "get out of that part of the field".

"Some teams cannot score points. It's the same for us this year. You go into the races knowing you need eight DNFs to score points, so it's more about driving the best race to the finish line," he added.

"Probably if you're not having a good season, being beaten by your team-mate, whatever is in your head it brings extra frustration but other drivers and teams should not pay for that."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Albon was told about Alonso's comments in the FIA press conference and argued the grid is as strong as it has been "for a while".

"I'll double down with what I said as well. 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!"

A pay driver in Formula 1 is a driver who has a seat mainly due to personal financial backing through sponsors or other wealth, which can help the team

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

However, Alonso had pointed out his comments would be the same at any point in his career since he made his F1 debut in 2001.

"It's the same over the years. When you are at the back of the grid, the cars are difficult to drive, more difficult to drive - they have less grip so mistakes are coming more often because you don't have an environment which is under control and the car is not welcoming you in a nice way, so you make more mistakes.

"But I don't feel all the incidents in Lap 1 and the touches, the front wings that fly around, all these things are not necessary, especially when you are fighting for nothing at the back of the grid and there is the cost cap, adding to this problem.

"There are teams that are happy with the cost cap and breaking things every race. They can pay for them."

Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Haas' Oliver Bearman were sat alongside Albon in the press conference and were asked about Alonso's comments, given they often race in the midfield.

"You have to love Fernando for the statements he makes out there. I have so much respect for the driver he is, and at the same time, he's very vocal," said Gasly.

"I haven't seen his race. I'm not too sure what he referred to. But I think I would agree [with Albon]. I will say that the level on the grid is probably one of the highest, considering all the drivers we have now, from what I've seen over maybe nine years. I've seen some wild driving approaches when I joined compared to what I see now."

Bearman added: "I think that's a slightly harsh conclusion [from Alonso] because I agree with Pierre that the level is very high on this current grid. With the gaps that we face this year, you have to be very opportunistic at times, and that can end in disaster, like it did for me last week with myself and Pierre.

"I wouldn't say it's a question of quality. It's a question of trying your very best and trying to make something happen, which is very challenging when the top eight positions are pretty much all filled by the top four teams."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Friday October 306pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm)*8pm: The F1 Show9pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference9.30pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 10pm)*

Saturday October 315.15pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 6.30pm)8pm: Mexico City Grand Prix Qualifying build-up9pm: MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING11pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday November 15pm: F1 Academy Race 36.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico City GP build-up8pm: THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX*10pm: Chequered Flag: Mexico City GP reaction11pm: Ted's Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 next heads south for the second leg of The Americas triple-header with the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime