F1 veteran Fernando Alonso is ruthless: “We all know who he’s referring to”

An unwelcome collision with Alex Albon’s Williams race car led to Fernando Alonso lashing out after the race in Austin. The proud Asturian, who started the US Grand Prix from 12th on the grid, lost a lot of downforce following the collision but fought on with a compromised car, finishing 16th and snapping: “When you start at the back of the field, there’s always a risk. I think the quality of the back third of the field leaves a lot to be desired; we saw that today with Alex. That’s why we need to keep improving the car so we can start further up the grid.”

The statement caused quite a stir in the paddock, and even in Mexico, the 32-time Grand Prix winner was unwilling to tone down his assessment of the competition. On the contrary. Alonso explained: “I don’t know if it’s exactly a third of the field; I’ve seen reports speculating about which seven or eight drivers this might apply to. I can’t give an exact figure, but I think we all know who is being referred to and who felt targeted by these comments.”

Fernando Alonso laments unnecessary mistakes on the first lap

“That says it all,” grumbled the Spaniard from the Aston Martin team. “I still see it that way – it was an unnecessary mistake, and I’m still struggling to see what Alex was hoping to achieve there. But it’s not just about the race in Austin. Unfortunately, I’ve been lapping at the back of the field all year, and from the cockpit I see things I can’t even describe.”

Incidentally, this has been the case for years, Alonso clarified, admitting: “Of course, the cars at the back of the field are harder to drive. They offer less grip and mistakes pile up because you’re not in control of the situation. The car isn’t user-friendly, which is why mistakes happen more often.”

“But I feel that all the incidents, the collisions, the shredded front wing endplates – all these things that happen on the first lap – are unnecessary. Especially when you’re battling at the back of the field, where there’s nothing at stake,” added the 45-year-old.

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