Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Spanish Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Ex-F1 champion criticises McLaren drivers’ fight: ‘Kids in the corner’

10:16, 25 Oct

Updated: 12:37, 25 Oct

bySamson Ero

Jacques Villeneuve has criticised the McLaren team’s approach to managing its drivers, calling for the team to allow them to fight freely on track.

“It's like two kids being punished in the corner of their room. They are fighting for a championship.”

- Jacques Villeneuve

The 54-year-old, who was on punditry duties at Sky Sports, stressed the need for the team to reconsider its “Papaya Rules” approach before stating he believes Lando Norris is a bit stronger than Oscar Piastri.

"Papaya Rules doesn't work with strength – let's come out and fight for a championship. It sounds very straightforward. It's like two kids being punished in the corner of their room. They are fighting for a championship.”

"Look at Singapore: Norris tapped the car in front, slid into Oscar, then we heard 10 laps of complaining. That's not on. They are both number-one drivers. There was a time in the season when Piastri was a bit faster, but ultimately Norris is a bit stronger. They both collapsed in Baku, but then he bounced back.”

"Norris is a better driver when he's fighting Max, a lot better than when he's fighting his teammate."

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided at the US Grand Prix Sprint - Photo: RacePictures.

Throughout the 2025 campaign, the McLaren team have approached the drivers’ championship with a no-lead-driver approach, allowing both Piastri and Norris to race against each other, though with consequences and repercussions if both drivers make contact.

Last time out, during the United States Grand Prix Sprint, the pair made contact on the opening lap, something which Piastri revealed he took a measure of responsibility for.

Piastri reveals Norris’ repercussion has been removed

Earlier, Piastri revealed that the team-imposed repercussion on Norris had been removed ahead of the race weekend in Mexico. The Australian driver stated the decision was made after reviewing the collision between the pair in Austin.

Norris himself detailed how pleased he was with the repercussions being lifted, revealing how satisfying it was to drive without any disadvantage.