Fernando Alonso has been increasingly vocal about the driving standards towards the back of the 2026 F1 grid, questioning the approach of some drivers following a series of incidents throughout the season, most notably his collision with Williams’ Alex Albon at the 2026 F1 United States GP.
Recent comments about driving standards may have affected some drivers
Speaking in a print media session in Mexico, the two-time World Champion reflected on the difficulty of competing towards the back of the field and suggested that some drivers have been more affected by his recent comments than others.
“I don’t know if it’s the one third. Because then I saw some reports trying to pick up eight drivers or seven drivers. I’m not specific on the number of them. But I think we all know which ones we talk about and which ones they felt hit by that comment. That tells you everything. I still feel the same.”
Alonso questions Albon’s move once more following collision at 2026 F1 United States GP
Alonso also revisited his incident with Albon at the 2026 F1 United States GP. The pair made contact at Turn 11 on the opening lap, leaving significant damage to the left side of Alonso’s Aston Martin AMR26.
The damage significantly compromised what could have been a promising afternoon for the Spaniard, who had started the race from P12. Alonso subsequently lost considerable performance due to the extensive floor damage and endured a lengthy final pit stop that included a front wing change.
Reflecting on the collision, the 45-year-old questioned the opportunity Albon believed he had when attempting the move, suggesting that the incident was part of a wider pattern throughout the season. The 32-time race winner ended up squeezed in the middle with Esteban Ocon on his outside.
“That was a mistake that was not needed. I still find it difficult to understand what was the opportunity that Alex [Albon] saw in that moment. But it’s not only Austin. Unfortunately, that part of the race for the whole season. I see things from the car that I cannot tell you.”
Backmarker cars “more difficult to drive”
When asked whether F1 driving standards had gradually deteriorated over the years, Alonso suggested that the difficulties of competing towards the back of the grid were a contributing factor. He explained that cars further down the order often have less grip, making them more difficult to control and increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
”No, I think it’s the same. The same over the years. Obviously, when you are at the back of the grid, the cars are difficult to drive. They have less grip. Mistakes happen more often because you don’t have the environment that is under control. The car doesn’t welcome you in a nice way. You make more mistakes.”
Alonso questioned F1 driving standards as he believes there is a number of opening lap incidents and collisions, particularly among drivers at the back of the grid, arguing the lack of reason to take unnecessary risks when fighting for lower positions.
“I don’t feel that all the incidents in lap 1, all the touches, all the front wings that fly around, all these kinds of things are not necessary. Especially if you are fighting for nothing at the back of the grid.”
Alonso points to cost cap as contributing factor
Alonso pointed towards the Formula 1 cost cap as a potential contributor to the issue, suggesting that teams have become more comfortable with the financial consequences of more frequent collisions and the subsequent replacement of damaged parts.
“There is the cost cap also adding to this problem. If their teams are happy with the cost cap on breaking things every race, it’s OK for them.”
The Spaniard also suggested that the responsibility does not necessarily fall on the stewards, arguing that some drivers may be willing to take unnecessary risks in pursuit of long-term opportunities in Formula 1.
”No, I think the stewards, it’s not their job unless there is something clearly unsafe. It’s not part of the stewards’ job. It’s just whatever ambition those drivers want for the future. If they want to stay in Formula 1 for longer, if they want to have an opportunity into a bigger team, they are happy to crash.”
