After Fernando Alonso was hit by Alexander Albon on the opening lap of the US Grand Prix in Austin – which, according to Aston Martin's chief trackside officer Mike Krack, cost him a considerable amount of downforce – the two-time world champion was highly critical of the current driving standards in Formula 1.
📌 The Core Development
"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. So I think we need to improve the car and start a little bit higher up," Alonso said in the media pen after Sunday’s race at the Circuit of the Americas.
Although that was understandably a comment made in the heat of the moment – especially as Aston Martin's pure pace was, according to Alonso, good enough to challenge for points – he made it clear during media day in Mexico City that he still fully stands by his words.
🔍 Background & Sector Context
"I don't know if it's one third of the grid, because then I saw some reports trying to pick out eight drivers or seven drivers. I'm not specific about the number of them, but I think we all know which ones we are talking about and which ones felt targeted by that comment," he explained.
"That tells you everything, so I still feel the same. That was a mistake that was not needed and I still find it difficult to understand what opportunity Alex saw in that moment.
📊 Industry & Real-World Impact
"But it's not only Austin. Unfortunately, I’ve been in that part of the race for the whole season, so I see things from the car that I cannot tell you."
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🔮 Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Asked by Autosport whether he had seen driving standards gradually deteriorate in F1, Alonso clarified: "No, I think it's the same over the years.
"Obviously, when you are at the back of the grid, the cars are more difficult to drive. They have less grip and mistakes come more often because you don't have an environment that is under control. The car does not welcome you in a nice way, so you make more mistakes.
