Alex Albon has cast doubt on whether Lando Norris can bridge his sizeable points gap to Max Verstappen across the remaining events in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Norris sits a considerable 78 points behind Verstappen with 10 rounds remaining, but McLaren has developed into a position where it has a quicker car than Red Bull.
But he has been unable to capitalise on that advantage as driver errors and strategic errors have seen him squander numerous opportunities to eradicate that margin.
However, Sergio Perez’s struggles in the sister Red Bull while Oscar Piastri accompanies Norris at the sharp end have seen McLaren cut the deficit down to 42 points.
With Norris requiring the largest points overturn ever in F1 to overcome Verstappen, Albon thinks the Constructors’ Championship is where the real contest will reside.
“I don’t know how much I believe Lando can take it off Max,” Albon told RacingNews365.
“I look at it more like a Constructors’ Championship battle than a Drivers’ Championship battle. I think that what’s great to see is just purely there’s a fight.
“There’s a proper fight up at the top of every race, it seems to be some kind of thing going on.”
Red Bull’s dominance since the current ground effect regulations were introduced in 2022 has been dispelled this term as four teams have claimed multiple victories.
Along with McLaren, Ferrari was in competitive shape earlier in the season and a revitalised Mercedes side registered three wins in four races leading up to the break.
Albon, who partnered Verstappen at Red Bull between 2019 and 2020, has admitted that it has been pleasant viewing to see closer competition occurring at the front.
“I think last year, last few years, it’s always been the midfield battles that have created any form of racing,” the Williams racer added.
“And now it’s actually the top teams are the ones that are creating the fighting, which is great to see.
“It’s interesting, obviously, Max has been in his position, many a times. For Lando, it’s more new for him.
“But yeah, I mean, obviously, I’m busy driving my car, but at the same time, when the blue flags do come up it’s good to see the battles.”
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