Villeneuve: Lando Norris 'In Control' Over Verstappen and Piastri in Mexico

Formula 1 legend Jacques Villeneuve believes Lando Norris has a significant advantage over Max Verstappen and his teammate Oscar Piastri, demonstrating strong control over both qualifying and race pace after a dominant final practice session in Mexico. Norris topped the charts by over three-tenths of a second, setting a formidable benchmark for the upcoming competitive sessions.

Why it matters:

McLaren's resurgence has been one of the season's most compelling storylines, and Norris's performance in Mexico signals his intent to further solidify his position against both his teammate and the reigning champion. A strong showing here could significantly impact the constructors' battle and Norris's individual standing in the final rounds of the season.

The Details:

• Dominant Practice Performance: Norris's fastest lap in final practice was over three-tenths quicker than the rest of the field, suggesting a significant pace advantage going into qualifying.
• Balancing Act: Villeneuve noted that Norris appears to have a handle on both optimal qualifying and race setups, a crucial factor at a circuit like Mexico City where tire degradation and altitude effects are profound.
  • Villeneuve suggested that drivers might prioritize a race setup in Mexico, given that pole position isn't always advantageous due to the long run to Turn 1 and slipstream effects. Norris, however, seems to have achieved a strong compromise.
• Outperforming Piastri: Norris has consistently out-scored Oscar Piastri in the last four events, indicating a clear performance edge over his teammate as the season progresses.
  • He is actively looking to close the gap to Piastri in the championship standings.
• Focus on Verstappen: Despite his teammate's presence, Villeneuve highlighted that Norris's primary focus is on Max Verstappen. Norris aims to prevent Verstappen from further eroding McLaren's championship lead.

Between the lines:

Villeneuve's comments suggest a shift in Norris's strategic thinking. While internal team battles are always present, the external threat from Verstappen and Red Bull appears to be taking precedence. This indicates a broader understanding of the championship dynamics, where every point against the dominant force matters.

What's next:

As the season draws to a close, Norris's ability to maintain this 'control' will be critical. If he continues to outpace Piastri, it could lead to discussions about potential team orders at McLaren to maximize their points against Red Bull. A strong performance in qualifying and the race in Mexico will be a testament to his continued development and McLaren's overall progress.