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Jacques Villeneuve Slams McLaren for Harshly Punishing Norris and Piastri
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Highlights
- Villeneuve criticized McLaren’s handling of Norris-Piastri clash.
- McLaren imposed then lifted restrictions on Lando Norris.
- Both drivers must avoid contact but can race freely.
- Piastri leads championship; Verstappen closes points gap to 40.
- Villeneuve supports equal treatment, urges open championship fighting.
- Mexico GP weekend intensifies McLaren’s intra-team rivalry spotlight.
Jacques Villeneuve criticizes McLaren’s handling of the Lando Norris–Oscar Piastri clashes, urging a cleaner, open fight as the title battle intensifies before Mexico.
The flashpoint begins in Singapore, when Norris attempts a pass on Piastri and contact follows. McLaren responds by restricting Norris “until the end of the season.”
Further contact during the United States sprint leads to retirements. Piastri then confirms the team lifts the measures, freeing both to race under a strict no-contact mandate.
Villeneuve backs equal status within McLaren, arguing there is no need to designate a number one. The key, he says, is clear rules and consistent enforcement.
He tells Sky Sports F1 the earlier approach felt like “kids being punished in the corner,” adding the “Papaya rules” concept fails to deliver decisive outcomes.
“Papaya rules” aren’t working; let them race hard under a no-contact rule, says Villeneuve.
The competitive picture remains finely balanced. Piastri leads the standings, with Norris 14 points behind. Norris rebounds strongly after a difficult Baku weekend.
Standings snapshot: Piastri leads; Norris -14; Verstappen now -40 and closing.
Villeneuve also notes Norris often excels when benchmarked against Max Verstappen rather than solely focused on his teammate.
Externally, Verstappen applies pressure after trimming the gap to 40 points. The margin keeps McLaren’s operational discipline under the microscope.
McLaren must balance freedom to race with risk management. Zero-contact compliance and rapid de-escalation procedures are essential.
McLaren lifts Norris restrictions: both drivers free to fight, with a clear no-contact directive.
Mexico City becomes the next stress test. How McLaren manages wheel-to-wheel battles could shape both drivers’ title prospects and the team’s campaign trajectory.
Visual Summary
4
NOR
NOR
1
PIA
PIA
⛔️
Strict “No Contact” Rivals
Strict “No Contact” Rivals
2
Norris
-14 pts
-14 pts
1
Piastri
Leader
Leader
3
Verstappen
-40 pts
-40 pts
🏁
Villeneuve:
“The ‘Papaya rules’ don’t work.
Let them fight freely for the title!”
▶️
“The ‘Papaya rules’ don’t work.
Let them fight freely for the title!”
▶️
McLaren’s internal penalties are gone. Norris vs. Piastri is unleashed.
With Verstappen closing in fast, Mexico’s high-stakes showdown is set.
Will they race as equals or will tensions boil over again?
With Verstappen closing in fast, Mexico’s high-stakes showdown is set.
Will they race as equals or will tensions boil over again?
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
