On Sunday, Max Verstappen dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While the Dutchman delivered a masterclass at the Baku City Circuit – securing his sixth Grand Slam – World Championship leader Oscar Piastri ended his race in the wall. Lando Norris, another title contender, only managed to finish in seventh place. Now that Verstappen has launched his title chase, Jacques Villeneuve reiterates his warning that McLaren needs to designate a first driver.
Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion, is convinced that McLaren must make a tough decision if Verstappen continues to close the gap on Norris and Piastri. The Dutchman has already won two races in a row and is still in contention for the title. He currently trails World Championship leader Piastri by 69 points. “The tricky part for Norris is that – if Verstappen keeps getting closer – the team will have to favour Piastri,” Villeneuve told OLBG. “He would then have to become the number one.”
“We’re suddenly talking about a title fight between two different teams,” the Canadian explained. “It promises to be a tough one – we’re talking about the best driver in the world,” he said, referring to Verstappen. “So yes, Norris is in a very precarious position. Thanks to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max is really back in the race, and he’s not a driver who succumbs to pressure. In fact, Verstappen will only increase the pressure on both McLaren drivers.”
‘Red Bull has fighters, McLaren does not’
Villeneuve explained that it’s easier for the pursuer to engage in the battle. “He (Max Verstappen) is hot on McLaren’s heels, knows exactly where they are and where he needs to go. That’s easy. But when you’re leading, you can’t see what’s happening behind you. You might be tempted to look back occasionally, but you can’t afford to do that.”
Finally, Villeneuve pointed out the turnaround at Red Bull, which also seems ready for a new title fight. “Red Bull has turned the tide and performs wonderfully under pressure,” he noted. “They are great fighters. McLaren showed last year that they are not yet. They are also aware of this internally. The drivers feel this too and will therefore experience extra pressure.”
