Villeneuve: Norris Grew Stronger by Focusing on Verstappen
Jacques Villeneuve says Lando Norris's 2025 title win was fueled by his rivalry with Max Verstappen, which unlocked a stronger, more focused performance from the McLaren driver.
1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Lando Norris's focus on battling Max Verstappen was the catalyst for his 2025 Formula 1 title victory. After a slow start, Norris found a new level of performance, ultimately clinching the championship by a razor-thin two-point margin over the Red Bull driver in the Abu Dhabi season finale.
Why it matters:
Villeneuve's analysis provides a fascinating look into the psychological battle that defined the 2025 season. It suggests that for Norris, the pressure of a direct inter-team rivalry was less effective than the motivation derived from fighting a championship rival from another team. This insight highlights how a driver's mindset can be as decisive as car performance in a title fight.
The details:
- Norris's Second-Half Surge: Villeneuve noted that Norris was "nondescript" in the first part of the season, aside from Melbourne. He identifies the Baku Grand Prix as a "wake-up call" that triggered a superb run of form.
- The Verstappen Factor: The Canadian legend stated, "Lando seems to be much stronger when he’s fighting Max." He argued that fighting a driver from a rival team requires a different, more aggressive approach than battling a teammate.
- Praise for Verstappen: Villeneuve also lauded Verstappen's incredible comeback, highlighting that the Dutchman was 104 points behind after the Dutch Grand Prix.
- A Near-Flawless Campaign: According to Villeneuve, Verstappen was "exemplary all season," making only one significant mistake that cost him points in Barcelona. He called Verstappen's fight to the final round an "incredible achievement."
Looking Ahead:
The intense 2025 battle has set the stage for a potentially defining rivalry in F1. Norris has proven he can transform psychological pressure into peak performance, while Verstappen has shown his ability to fight back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit. Their renewed competition in 2026 will be one of the most anticipated storylines, promising another thrilling championship fight.