McLaren told how to 'cover off' Max Verstappen in F1 title fight

Williams' Alex Albon believes McLaren can "cover off" Max Verstappen in the F1 drivers' title fight, if it decides to prioritise either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris.

Piastri holds a small 14-point lead over Norris ahead of this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, while Verstappen is 40 points adrift of the Australian. 

However, it is Verstappen with all the momentum, having taken 64 points out of his deficit to Piastri across the last four rounds. 

Since Red Bull introduced a new floor to the RB21 at the Italian GP, Verstappen is yet to qualify or finish behind a McLaren driver.

Both Piastri and Norris have made serious mistakes in recent rounds, further increasing the Dutchman's chances of a record-equalling fifth consecutive title. 

McLaren has insisted that as things stand, it will continue to allow its drivers to fight, something Albon views as "fair". 

Although, should the Woking-based outfit want to ensure Piastri or Norris wins a maiden championship, then Albon believes McLaren focusing on one driver is needed. 

Discussing Verstappen's title chances, Albon told select media including RacingNews365: "It's a good track for him here, that's for sure. It'll be interesting.

"It'll be interesting to me to see how McLaren have to play  it, because they're still playing both drivers into the championship. 

"But at the same time, you could easily cover him [Verstappen] off, if you prioritise one driver. But I think what they're doing is fair, and they shouldn't do that. 

"So it is going to come down to the wire. It seems like they've [Red Bull] got good momentum right now. Their upgrade seems to be working since Monza. You can never count Max out."