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McLaren’s F1 Strategy Slammed: Villeneuve Unleashes Fury Over Missed Victory Opportunity

David Castro by David Castro
May 19, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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McLaren’s F1 Strategy Slammed: Villeneuve Unleashes Fury Over Missed Victory Opportunity

IMOLA, ITALY - MAY 18: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505180209 // Usage for editorial use only //

Jacques Villeneuve Launches Scathing Critique at McLaren After Emilia Romagna F1 GP

Former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve didn’t hold back in his criticism of McLaren’s performance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where the team finished in second and third place behind Max Verstappen. Villeneuve accused McLaren of displaying “weakness” by not being aggressive enough in their strategy, particularly by not allowing Lando Norris – on fresher tires – to overtake teammate Oscar Piastri sooner after the safety car restart.

Villeneuve argued that Piastri was “caught napping” at the start, allowing Verstappen to pass him, and then lacked the pace afterward. He believed McLaren should have acted swiftly to give Norris a chance to challenge Verstappen, a key rival in the drivers’ championship. Delaying the swap, according to him, only played into Red Bull’s hands.

The Canadian also took aim at McLaren’s mentality, suggesting the team seemed too content with their second and third-place finish when their car is capable of fighting for a 1-2 conclusion. “They show weakness, basically,” Villeneuve stated on Sky Sports F1. “They don’t show the strength that Red Bull is always showing year after year. It’s as if they are afraid to be aggressive in trying to win the drivers’ championship and afraid to go against Piastri. It’s very, very strange.”

Villeneuve further criticized McLaren’s decision-making, questioning why they were satisfied with the outcome when they could have aimed for more. He expressed disappointment in their acceptance of second and third place when a 1-2 finish was within reach. The racing icon emphasized that McLaren should have been more ambitious in their pursuit of victory, especially considering the competitive landscape of the championship.

The McLaren team’s handling of the race at Emilia Romagna did not escape Villeneuve’s scrutiny, as he dissected their strategic choices and overall approach. The veteran racer’s outspoken remarks have stirred up debate within the F1 community, shining a spotlight on the intricacies of team dynamics and competitive drive in the sport.

As the dust settles from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Villeneuve’s critique serves as a stark reminder of the relentless nature of Formula 1 and the unforgiving demands it places on teams striving for success. The McLaren camp may need to reflect on Villeneuve’s words as they regroup and prepare for future races in a bid to maximize their potential on the track.

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