Fernando Alonso’s rivals do not share his view that one-third of the Formula 1 grid has “very low” driving standards.

The Aston Martin driver’s comments were prompted by his first-lap tangle with Alexander Albon in the United States Grand Prix last week. “I think the bottom third of the grid, the quality of the drivers is very low at the moment,” the two-times world champion remarked.

Albon initially tried to downplay his rival’s comments as being made “in the heat of the moment” after the race. But Alonso stood by his criticism of the Williams driver’s first-lap lunge, saying he didn’t understand why Albon thought his attempt to pass on the inside of turn 11 would work.

However Albon maintained he disagreed with Alonso and defended the standard of driving in F1, claiming it is higher now than in past seasons when more drivers bought their way onto the grid.

“I have huge respect for Fernando,” said Albon. “I looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid.

“Obviously, it’s not nice to hear those comments in many ways. You’re racing someone that you looked up to, but at the same time, I don’t agree. It’s as simple as that.

“I think the level is strong up and down the grid. Ten or fifteen years ago, the back half of the grid wasn’t the way it is now. You don’t have pay drivers anymore. It is what it is, hopefully we don’t cross paths in the race this weekend.”

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Pierre Gasly, who is in his tenth season in F1, agreed the standard of driving has improved.

“You have to love Fernando for the statements he makes out there,” said the Alpine driver. “I have so much respect for the driver he is, and at the same time, he’s very vocal.

“I’m not too sure – I haven’t seen his race, I’m not too sure what he referred to – but I think I would agree. I will say that the level on the grid is probably one of the highest, considering all the drivers we have now, from what I’ve seen over maybe nine years. I’ve seen some wild driving approaches when I joined compared to what I see now.”

Oliver Bearman, who is 13th in the championship, said those in the bottom half of the field need to take more risks to stand a chance of scoring points.

“Luckily, I’m just about in the middle third, not the bottom one, so I get away with it,” he said. “But no, I think that’s a slightly harsh conclusion.

“I agree with Pierre that the level is very high on this current grid. With the gaps that we face this year, you have to be very opportunistic at times, and that can end in disaster, like it did for me last week with myself and Pierre.

“So I wouldn’t say it’s a question of quality. It’s a question of trying your very best and trying to make something happen, which is very challenging when the top eight positions are pretty much all filled by the top four teams.”

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