Alex Albon has firmly rejected Fernando Alonso's criticism of the standard of Formula 1 drivers, admitting that the comments were particularly difficult to hear from someone he admired growing up. The Williams driver defended his battle with the Spaniard at the United States Grand Prix and insisted that the current grid is stronger than it has been for years.

Albon disagrees with Alonso over Austin collision

The disagreement began on the opening lap at the Circuit of the Americas, when Albon attempted to overtake Alonso on the inside of Turn 11. The two drivers made contact, damaging the Aston Martin, although the stewards considered it a racing incident and handed out no penalties.

After finishing 16th, Alonso questioned the quality of drivers towards the back of the F1 grid, using his collision with Albon as an example. His remarks also drew criticism from Carlos Sainz, who disagreed with his fellow Spaniard's assessment.

Speaking ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Albon began his response by stressing his admiration for the two-time world champion: “Firstly, I would say that I hugely respect Fernando. He’s a great driver, and I’ve looked up to him a lot growing up as a kid.

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“I think we’re all in our own little fight at the back. I don’t think it’s the level of the drivers as much. Obviously last year we had a great season, and this year we are at the back. I think that if anything, I would say the grid’s the strongest it’s been for a while.

“Post-race comments are always a little bit more in the heat of the moment, so you can always take it with a pinch of salt. I thought it was a good battle. I thought we had a good scrap. Clearly he didn’t think the same thing. It was a race-long battle. Even the incident in that point itself, I thought was very 50/50 in terms of where the cars were on track.”

Albon stands his ground as Alonso refuses to back down

The disagreement continued in Mexico City, where Alonso stood by his criticism of driving standards. The Aston Martin driver maintained that Albon's attempted overtake had been unnecessary and suggested that similar mistakes had occurred throughout the season.

When informed that Alonso had doubled down on his remarks, Albon refused to change his position, although he once again made clear that his respect for the Spaniard remained intact.