Alonso: Back-Grid F1 Drivers Lack Talent — SkimNews
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- Alonso doubled down on his claim that the bottom third of Formula 1 has a “very low level of driving” and a “lack of talent,” reiterating the criticism at the October 29 Mexico City media day after his Austin collision with Albon.
- Albon tried to pass Alonso for 12th place into Turn 11 on the opening lap of the United States Grand Prix but hit the Aston Martin driver's side, damaging both cars; neither was penalized, and Alonso finished 16th ahead of Albon in 17th.
- Alonso said back-of-grid cars have less grip and are harder to drive, making mistakes more frequent, and separately argued that some teams accept regular damage under the cost cap because they can pay for repairs.
- Albon rejected Alonso's assessment while stressing his respect for him, saying the grid is as strong as it has been “for a while” and that Formula 1 no longer has pay drivers.
- Gasly agreed with Albon that the current grid is probably one of the strongest he has seen in about nine years and said he has observed far wilder driving approaches since joining the field.
- Bearman called Alonso's conclusion “slightly harsh,” said the grid's quality is high, and noted that 2026 gaps demand opportunism that can end in disaster, with the top four teams filling most of the top eight positions.
- Aston Martin needs to start higher in the grid, Alonso said, because it must prioritize finishing; Alonso put the team's scoring requirement at eight DNFs and said he would not raise the issue at Friday's drivers' meeting.
Why it matters: The dispute extends beyond driver talent to lower-grid teams' circumstances: Alonso said their cars have less grip, Bearman said the top four teams fill most of the top eight places, and Aston Martin needs eight DNFs to score. Alonso's own concession complicates a simple blame-the-driver explanation.
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