Ferrari Method 1 driver Charles Leclerc has rejected Fernando Alonso’s declare that the usual of driving behind the grid is low, insisting the extent is “very, very excessive” throughout the sphere.
Alonso criticised the decrease third of the grid after his battle with Williams driver Alex Albon ultimately weekend’s United States Grand Prix and stood by his feedback whereas talking to the media in Mexico Metropolis.
“I believe the standard of the drivers within the decrease third of the grid could be very low, as we noticed at present with Alex,” Alonso mentioned after a collision with Albon on the opening lap on the Circuit of the Americas.
“So I believe we have to enhance the automotive and begin a bit bit greater up.”
Requested about the usual of the grid in the course of the drivers’ press convention in Mexico, Leclerc dismissed the Spaniard’s feedback.
“I believe it’s very excessive. I believe it’s very, very excessive. Identical to I used to be saying earlier, a lot of the grid, we grew up collectively in karting,” Leclerc mentioned. “Alex was up there and was truly a driver I used to be wanting as much as. He was at all times one or two classes above me, however he was distinctive.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Photograph by: Kym Illman / Getty Photos
Leclerc, who’s at the moment fifth within the drivers’ standings, added that the distinction between the entrance and the again of the sphere comes all the way down to equipment.
“Right now, I’m certain that the extent of the grid is tremendous, tremendous excessive, whether or not it’s within the again, within the center or within the entrance. The one issues that change is clearly the race automotive that we’re driving, however the requirements are very excessive,” the Monegasque mentioned.
Albon, who joined Leclerc within the press convention, additionally disagreed with Alonso’s evaluation.
“I’ve big respect for Fernando, I appeared as much as him rather a lot rising up as a child, and clearly it’s not good to listen to these feedback in some ways,” the Williams driver mentioned. “You’re racing somebody that you just look as much as, however on the similar time, I don’t agree. It’s so simple as that.
“I believe the extent is powerful up and down the grid. I believe 10, 15 years in the past, the again half of the grid wasn’t the best way it’s now. We don’t have paid drivers anymore.”
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