Alex Albon says he disagrees with Fernando Alonso’s criticism of the standard of driving at the back of the grid, after the Aston Martin driver doubled down on remarks made following their battle at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
Albon and Alonso fought throughout the race in Austin, after which Alonso criticised Albon and the drivers in the bottom third of the field. Speaking in Thursday’s press conference ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Albon began by stressing his admiration for the two-time world champion.
“Firstly, I would say that I hugely respect Fernando. I think he’s a great driver. I’ve looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid,” Albon said.
“I think we’re all in our own little fight at the back. I don’t think it’s the level of the drivers as much. I think, obviously, last year we had a great season, and this year… We are at the back, I think, a group of us, including Checo.
“Obviously, post-race comments are always a little bit more in the heat of the moment, so you can always take a look at yourself.”
Alex Albon rejects Fernando Alonso comments
Albon also rejected any suggestion that their fight had crossed a line.
“No, no, I felt we had a good scrap. Clearly, he didn’t think the same thing. But, yeah, it was a really strong battle,” he said. “Even the incident in that point itself, I thought, was very 50-50 in terms of where the cars were on track.”
Alonso, however, has not softened his stance. According to Sky Sports, he described the lower half of the grid on Thursday as simply “a very low level of driving”, adding that he still found it difficult to understand “what was the opportunity that Alex saw in the moment”.
Told of Alonso’s latest comments, Albon was more direct.
“I’ll double down on what I said as well. I have a huge respect for Fernando. I looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid,” he said.
“Obviously it’s not nice to hear those comments in many ways. You always see someone that you look up to. But at the same time, I don’t agree with him.
“It’s as simple as that. I think the level is strong up and down the grid. I think 10, 15 years ago it wasn’t the back half of the grid the way it is now. We don’t have paid drivers anymore.
“So, yeah, it is what it is. Hopefully, we don’t cross paths in the race this weekend.”
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