Albon pinpoints F1 title contenders after 'impressive' test pace

Alex Albon has been left impressed by Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, indicating that the duo will be in the F1 drivers' title fight this year. 

Norris has grabbed the majority of headlines at pre-season testing in Bahrain, having topped the timesheets on Wednesday and set an extraordinary long run on Thursday. 

The McLaren driver's strong long run was recognised by Albon, as was Verstappen being immediately fast as well on the opening day.

When asked by select media including RacingNews365 if he had noticed anything during testing, Albon said: "Not too much, the simple ones really.

"I think Max's lap [on Wednesday] was immediately on the pace on the C2, then I think he made a mistake on his lap into Turn 10 on his C3 run. 

"Lando's long fuel pace was very impressive if I'm not mistaken. Most probably, I'm talking about people who aren't in our fight, but it'll be interesting to see how it falls out."

As pointed out by Albon, Verstappen and Norris are not drivers he expects to be battling this year. 

Williams has shown some promise during testing, with Carlos Sainz having topped the timesheets on the second day. 

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has pinpointed the Grove-based team as an outfit who could challenge the top four over one lap, whilst Albon is watching Haas and Racing Bulls closely.

"I think in the midfield it's hard to say, because it feels a little bit more different in terms of everyone's run plans," added Albon.

"Haas has kind of committed to their style of run plan, and it's hard to know where they are, but they're going to be strong. I think Racing Bulls have been interesting as well."