Leclerc backs Albon and rejects Alonso's claim that back-of-grid drivers lack quality

Charles Leclerc publicly dismissed Fernando Alonso’s claim that the quality of driving at the back of the Formula 1 grid is low, defending Williams driver Alex Albon at the Mexico City drivers’ press conference ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.

Alonso sparked the debate after a first-lap collision with Albon at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The Aston Martin driver did not soften his position when speaking to media in Mexico City. “I think the quality of the drivers in the lower third of the grid is very low, as we saw today with Alex,” Alonso said. “So I think we need to improve the car and start a little bit higher up.”

Leclerc, currently fifth in the drivers’ championship, was direct in his rebuttal. “I think it’s very high. I think it’s very, very high. Just like I was saying earlier, most of the grid, we grew up together in karting,” the Ferrari driver said. “Alex was up there and was actually a driver I was looking up to. He was always one or two categories above me, but he was exceptional.”

The Monegasque argued that performance gaps on the grid reflect the machinery rather than the drivers behind the wheel. “Today, I’m sure that the level of the grid is super, super high, whether it’s in the back, in the middle or in the front. The only things that change is obviously the race car that we are driving, but the standards are very high.”

Albon, who joined Leclerc at the same press conference, said he respected Alonso but could not agree with his remarks. “I have huge respect for Fernando, I looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid, and obviously it’s not nice to hear those comments in many ways,” the Williams driver said. “You’re racing someone that you look up to, but at the same time, I don’t agree. It’s as simple as that.”

Albon also pointed to how the composition of the grid has changed over the years. “I think the level is strong up and down the grid. I think 10, 15 years ago, the back half of the grid wasn’t the way it is now. We don’t have paid drivers anymore.”