Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 world champion, has shared his thoughts on the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 season. Speaking to Poker Scout, Villeneuve reflected on McLaren’s narrow escape from losing the drivers’ championship after already securing the Constructors’ title six races earlier.
Baku: the wake-up call for Norris
Despite some tense moments, McLaren managed to avoid going down in history for the wrong reasons. The team remained faithful to its principle of equality between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, without designating a clear lead driver. This strategy certainly added fuel to Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s late-season comeback, but in the end, Verstappen fell just two points short, allowing Norris and McLaren to celebrate the drivers’ championship under the Abu Dhabi spotlight.
Jacques Villeneuve’s perspective
“It would have been embarrassing for McLaren to lose the drivers’ championship,” said the Canadian. “I think the Woking team management was somewhat surprised by Verstappen and Red Bull’s strong return. Norris managed to avoid a real disaster; the wake-up call for him came in Baku. After that weekend, he drove exceptionally well and seems to find it easier to battle Verstappen than Piastri, in the sense that he can be more decisive and effective when dueling with the Dutchman.”
Jacques Villeneuve also highlighted the professional relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: “There were no controversial incidents between the two on track; they will continue to be friends and respect each other. Now that Norris has won a title, his appetite will grow, and Max Verstappen will surely want to reclaim the number #1.”
Villeneuve, no stranger to high-stakes title fights, sees growth in Lando Norris and fire in Max Verstappen—perfect ingredients for another epic season ahead.
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