Jacques Villeneuve warns McLaren of the terrible situation that ‘will’ unfold between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris

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Just 10 races separate McLaren and a first Formula 1 title double in 27 years as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris look set to battle down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.

They’re the runaway leaders of the drivers’ championship, and with the 2026 F1 regulations approaching, they should enjoy a healthy advantage compared to their rivals for the rest of the season.

McLaren have developed, and so have their drivers. The summer break came at a crucial time for their drivers, just as one was building momentum.

It felt as if Lando Norris was starting to peg Oscar Piastri back, beating him in three of the last four races, but now they’re back to square one at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Piastri may ‘rue’ one thing after having the chance to build more of a lead over his teammate. It might be something he comes to regret at the end of the year.

Away from 2025, Piastri’s ‘biggest message’ to McLaren is that he wants to compete for titles every year. They’re thinking about much more than this season.

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri reveals the pre-season tweaks that have been ‘difference-makers’ in Lando Norris F1 title fight

Jacques Villeneuve warns McLaren that Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris ‘will’ crash in 2025

Even though he has reduced the deficit at the top, Norris could’ve been ‘smarter’ in two pivotal moments in the title battle.

Crashing out in Canada in particular was a big mistake. The Briton left at least 10 points on the table. That would be enough for him to be in the lead of the championship by one point.

It was also a sign of what could happen when the McLaren drivers get a bit too close for comfort. When the stakes are raised and their battles intensify, the team won’t want to look on.

1996 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has now warned them about what they face at the Dutch Grand Prix, expecting things to come to a boil at some point.

“They will come out stronger and stronger the closer we get to the end of the season. Most contracts are team comes first, but also, both drivers cannot be penalised in trying to win the championship,” he said on Sky Sports F1.

“It’s a fine line. It’s in McLaren’s interest to let them race, because they get the cameras on them, they get the image, they get the sponsors. They will win the drivers’ championship anyway, so why not let them fight it out. They will have a coming together.”

READ MORE: McLaren have now made one behind-the-scenes change to stop putting so much ‘pressure’ on Lando Norris

Why the second half of the 2025 F1 season suits Lando Norris more than Oscar Piastri

With just a handful of European races to go this season, there isn’t long before the teams and drivers are subjected to long flights and long nights.

The flyaway races can be spectacular and exciting to watch, but for most in the paddock, they can be incredibly tiring.

Those with experience know how to handle them best, and Norris has been with McLaren for the last seven seasons.

Piastri, on the other hand, is in his third year. Not only does he know the tracks better, but he also knows the routine of everything very well, and it could end up being an advantage to him.

Norris has to make one ‘critical’ change first, and limit his mistakes. Then the pressure will begin to mount even further on his teammate.