“The Quality of Drivers is Very Low” – Fernando Alonso Criticizes ‘Lower Third of the Grid’ After Alex Albon Collision

Fernando Alonso openly criticized drivers in the “lower third of the grid” after a first-lap contact with Williams’ Alex Albon at Sunday’s United States Grand Prix. The incident damaged his Aston Martin and cost him track position in the race as he was left to drive around in “half a car”.

The two-time world champion called Albon part of the current grid where “the quality of the drivers” is very low.

“I think when you start at the back there is this risk always,” Alonso told The Race. “I think the quality of the drivers in the lower third of the grid is very low, as we saw today with Alex. 

“I think we need to improve the car and start a little bit higher up.”

The incident occurred at Turn 11 of the Circuit of the Americas. Albon made an overtaking move on the inside of the Spaniard, who had Esteban Ocon on his outside, resulting in wheel-to-wheel contact.

The contact left both drivers with damaged machines, with Alonso’s car suffering significant damage to its floor and aerodynamic components.

Fernando Alonso Believes Aston Martin Was In for Some Points

The veteran driver ultimately came home 16th after a slow second stop to change his front wing. 

Despite the early damage, Alonso felt his Aston Martin had enough pace to challenge for points. According to the Spaniard, he was running 12^th despite the damaged condition of his car, and he believed a top-10 finish was possible if the collision had not occurred.

“I imagine if the car was in one piece, probably today the points were a possibility,” he said. “A strong possibility because we were running P12 with half a car.

“We could have scored points today and maybe get close in the constructors’ championship, but they made sure that we didn’t have any chance”.

Williams currently stands ninth in the constructors’ championship, with five points ahead of Aston Martin.

Albon’s Take on the Collision With Alonso

Albon, who finished 17^th at COTA, had a different perspective and saw the incident differently from the two-time champion.

“It’s always fun to race Fernando,” Albon said. “He’s strong, but he’s fair always. Maybe he thought I was a bit over the edge; I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll find out soon. But I had a good amount of fun, I think.

“I was on the inside of Fernando, so then I think it pinched,” Albon reflected on the opening lap collision. “And I tried to get out of the way and get on the curb, but I didn’t make good of it. 

“So I imagine he got damaged. I know I got damaged driving around with a broken wing for the race.”

Out in front, Mercedes’ wonderkid Kimi Antonelli took a dominant ninth victory of the season at the U.S. Grand Prix. He is just two points away from becoming the youngest F1 champion, regardless of what others manage to score in Mexico.

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