Perez says F1's back-of-grid level matches the front

Sergio Perez rejected Fernando Alonso's criticism of Formula 1's backmarkers: “I think the level at the back is as high as in the front.”

He made the argument at the FIA's pre-event press conference for the Mexico Grand Prix, where drivers were asked about Alonso's remarks after the first-lap clash between Alonso and Alex Albon at the Circuit of the Americas.

After the Austin race, Alonso said the quality of drivers in the grid's lower third was very low. The clash left his Aston Martin with permanent floor damage and less downforce. Four days later in Mexico, Alonso said he still felt the same and questioned what opportunity Albon had seen in the move.

Perez, a six-time Grand Prix winner now racing at the back with newcomer Cadillac, argued that results are tied to the car and team. If drivers at the front and back swapped cars, he said, they would achieve very similar results.