Citing a clash with Alex Albon, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso casts doubt on the quality of a number of drivers on the 2026 grid.

On a frantic opening lap which witnessed numerous incidents, the Spaniard and the Thai clashed at the Hairpin, as the Williams driver attempted to relieve his Spanish rival, who was also battling Esteban Ocon, of twelfth place.

While stewards opted not to pursue the matter, Alonso was left with floor damage which compromised his race and left him running 16th at the flag, ironically just 1.508s ahead of the Williams.

"I think when you start at the back there is this risk always," said Alonso post-race. "I think the quality of the drivers in the lower third of the grid is very low, as we saw today with Alex," he added.

"So I think we need to improve the car and start a little bit higher up."

The Spaniard, who cited Austin as potentially his best race of the season, subsequently told F1TV: "Albon forgot that corner 11 was there and he had to turn left," reiterating his belief in terms of the lower-third of the grid.

"It's always fun to race Fernando", said Albon. "Maybe he thought I was a bit over the edge, I don't know, I'm sure I'll find out soon. But I had a good amount of fun.

"It felt like there was a car on the right side of Fernando," he continued, referring to Ocon, "and he gave Fernando enough space as if he thought there was only one car on his inside but then I was on the inside of Fernando so then I think it pinched and I tried to get out of the way and get on the kerb but I didn't make all of it.

"So I imagine he got damage, I know I got damage, driving around with a broken wing for the race."

Much as we love Fernando, we also have a soft spot for Albon - 'owner' of 15 cats - so no further comment.