Alonso says quality of F1’s lower-third drivers is ‘very low’ after Albon clash

Fernando Alonso said the quality of drivers in the lower third of the Formula 1 grid was “very low” after opening-lap contact with Alex Albon damaged his Aston Martin at the United States Grand Prix. He cited Albon as an example and said starting at the back always carries risk.

Alonso started 12th and lost one place at the start; Albon gained three positions to run 14th. Albon challenged Alonso through the Esses. At Turn 11, Alonso tried to pass the two battling Haas cars on the inside while Albon took a similar line. The Williams was already committed as the gap narrowed, and its front-right wheel hit Alonso’s left-hand bargeboard and floor edge. Alonso was pushed onto the outside kerb and lost four more places.

Alonso estimated the damage cost him half a second or more per lap and said half the floor was gone. He considered retiring, but went back out after a new front wing was fitted. He said he wanted to finish and gather more data; during the final 15 laps, the car turned properly to the right but not to the left. He also said Aston Martin needed to improve the car and start further up the grid.

Albon said he was on the inside of Alonso and tried to avoid contact by moving onto the kerb, but did not manage to do so. He said his Williams ran with a broken wing for the rest of the race. The stewards did not investigate the contact; Alonso recovered to finish 12th.