Fernando Alonso has doubled down on the comments on F1 Drivers after Alex Albon disagreement. After his first-lap tangle with Alex Albon at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Fernando Alonso went after the lower end of the Formula 1 grid with both barrels. He called the driving standard very low and spoke of a lack of talent.
Most drivers would soften those words a few days later but Alonso did the opposite. Speaking ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, he stood by almost everything. The only small correction was on the exact size of the group he meant. “I’m not specific on the number of them. But I think we all know which ones we talk about, and which ones that felt hit by that comment. So that tells you everything,” he said.
Fernando Alonso doubles down on his comments after Alex Albon disagreement
He still believes the move Albon made into Turn 11 was unnecessary. “That was a mistake that was not needed. I still find it difficult to understand what was the opportunity that Alex saw in that moment.” He also made clear the frustration is not limited to one race. Alonso has spent most of the 2026 season stuck in the midfield and lower reaches with Aston Martin.
The Spaniard went further, questioning why teams tolerate repeated first-lap crashes and damaged parts under the cost cap. He pointed to the likes of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli recovering from poor starts to still win races. In his view talent and confidence will allow drivers to wait a lap or two instead of forcing things immediately.
Albon’s response was measured but firm as he has long respected Alonso and grew up looking up to him. Hearing the criticism from someone he admires stung. Still, he disagreed completely. “I think the level is strong up and down the grid,” Albon said.
“I think 10, 15 years ago it wasn’t the back half of the grid the way it is now. We don’t have pay drivers anymore.” He described their Austin battle as a good scrap and the incident itself as very 50-50.
