Not Verstappen. F1 champion names Norris’ toughest opponent

1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes McLaren driver Lando Norris is at a much higher level when fighting Max Verstappen than he is against Oscar Piastri.

The Canadian driver pointed out the difference in psychology and approach to fighting with his teammate, especially considering the so-called papaya rules that apply at McLaren.

In a season that ended with Norris winning the championship by two points over Verstappen, Villeneuve led a strong comeback for the Briton in the second half of the year. After the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris was 34 points behind Piastri but managed to turn the tide of the fight.

“He had a very strong performance in the second half of the season and made a great recovery.”

According to Villeneuve, Norris looked more confident in the fight with the Red Bull driver than in the duel with his own partner.

“Last year Lando struggled and did not win the championship. But this season he started to ride better as soon as he focused on fighting with Verstappen.”
It’s different when you fight with a teammate and a driver from the opposing team. “Lando becomes much stronger when he fights Max.”

“He finished the championship in great fashion. Did he deserve the championship? Yes. Just like last year, Lando was very strong in the second half of the season. This year, except for Melbourne, the first part was unremarkable. Baku was a wake-up call – he had a great ride after that.”