A former Formula 1 world champion sharply criticized Oscar Piastri’s championship prospects following McLaren’s disastrous performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Piastri’s early crash in Baku and the team’s poor results have cast doubt on his ability to sustain a title challenge this season, especially against the likes of Max Verstappen.
A Veteran Champion Calls Out McLaren’s Missed Opportunity
Jacques Villeneuve, speaking to Canal+, openly condemned both McLaren drivers for failing to take advantage of a prime chance to improve their standing in the championship. Villeneuve emphasized that finishing seventh was an inadequate result given that Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, scored no points.
7th in a McLaren when your teammate doesn’t get any points is not a good move. At worst, Norris should have finished second,
Villeneuve stated.
An anonymous race for him. If I were Piastri, I’d be more afraid of Verstappen than of Norris.
With Piastri crashing out on the first lap, Norris had a critical opportunity to close the 31-point gap separating them, but he only managed seventh place, securing just six points. Villeneuve’s critique underscored how McLaren squandered a significant chance to gain ground in the title race.
Even before race day, Villeneuve had voiced concerns about Piastri’s form, remarking on his inconsistent performance during the weekend.
Piastri put it in the wall, the championship leader. He’s been driving erratically this weekend, so it looks a little bit tough. He’s feeling the pressure,
Villeneuve observed after qualifying.
Those early warnings proved accurate as Piastri’s race unraveled through a jump start and a subsequent misjudged braking into Turn 5, which led to a crash and immediate retirement from the race.
The Increasing Threat of Max Verstappen in the Championship Battle
Villeneuve’s caution about Max Verstappen carries considerable weight given the Red Bull driver’s recent surge. Verstappen claimed back-to-back victories at Monza and Baku, closing the gap to Piastri from 104 points down to only 69.
Azerbaijan has actually kept or put Verstappen in the hunt and Verstappen doesn’t crack under pressure and he will put an extreme amount of pressure on the two McLaren drivers and the team,
Villeneuve explained.
The former world champion stressed that mental toughness often determines a championship outcome more than speed alone. Verstappen’s proven resilience and championship experience set a high bar that both McLaren drivers have yet to reach on a consistent basis.
With seven races left in the season and Piastri’s lead over Norris now reduced to a narrow 25 points, Villeneuve’s harsh judgment highlights the urgency for McLaren. To maintain their championship ambitions, they must address their errors and step up their performances before Verstappen capitalizes further.
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve: 'If I were Piastri, I'd be more afraid of Verstappen than of Norris'
Villeneuve🗣️"7th with a McLaren when your teammate doesn't score any points, that's not a good result. At worst Norris should have finished 2nd.
🗣️"An anonymous… pic.twitter.com/bqGEAXHeMH
— MV33Racing🏎 (@MV33Racing) September 23, 2025
