Speaking to a betting site, the former Canadian driver stated: “I would still put my money on Max Verstappen to be this season’s champion, but just by a very small margin, because of his experience, because of the fact that McLaren has two drivers now fighting for the championship and they can't yet use one to help the other.”

Villeneuve also highlighted how Red Bull can afford to use their second driver to Verstappen’s advantage—something McLaren cannot do—which he considers a disadvantage for Norris.

“Red Bull can play on that. They can put the pressure on that. So in that aspect they have the advantage. They just have the points disadvantage. The McLaren is still a faster car. Norris really has his A game out right now. So does Verstappen. It will be fun to watch.”

The four-time world champion, aided at times by luck as in Las Vegas, finds himself still very much in the title fight with just two races to go, even though hopes had dimmed considerably at the checkered flag despite his victory.

The disqualification of both McLarens allowed the Dutchman to cut the gap to just 24 points—a drastically reduced margin compared to the over 100-point deficit he faced after the season resumed following the summer break.

Verstappen has certainly raised his level thanks to a technically revitalized RB21, but the two McLaren drivers also played their part, particularly Oscar Piastri, who has virtually disappeared from the radar since his win at Zandvoort.