BREAKING: Lando Norris Dealt Brutal ‘Collapsed’ Verdict in O…read more
Lando Norris Slammed with ‘Collapsed’ Label Amid Oscar Piastri Title Battle
Lando Norris is facing heavy criticism from 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, who claims the McLaren star’s form has “collapsed” in his championship fight with teammate Oscar Piastri.
While Norris started the season on a high with victory in Melbourne, Piastri has since taken control, overturning a 23-point gap to now lead the British driver by 16 points. But Villeneuve believes the shift isn’t due to a major leap from Piastri, but rather a downward spiral from Norris.
“I don’t think Oscar Piastri has gotten into Lando Norris’s head—I think Lando has gotten into his own head,” Villeneuve told Vision4Sport. “He’s always on the back foot. Piastri looks like he belongs at the front. He’s there to fight.”
Villeneuve praised Piastri’s composed and calculated approach, suggesting it’s highlighted Norris’s struggles even more.
“Maybe Piastri has improved slightly, but that small step forward looks much bigger because Norris is going backwards. That’s where the difference really comes from.”
Despite Norris often showing superior pace, Villeneuve believes the pressure of entering the season as a title contender has been his undoing.
“Last year, Lando was the underdog no expectations, no pressure. This year, he came in thinking it was his big shot. That changes everything,” he explained.
“He’s still incredibly fast, probably quicker than Piastri most of the time. But it’s the mistakes small errors that cost big in a field this tight. One mistake can drop you five places, and that’s a huge points loss.”
With McLaren’s title hopes increasingly tied to this in-house duel, the contrast between Piastri’s calm rise and Norris’s faltering form continues to fuel headlines in the F1 paddock.
