The 2024 Formula 1 season is nearing its dramatic conclusion, and while McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship, their star driver, Lando Norris, is 62 points adrift of Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings with only three races to go. But after the Brazilian Grand Prix, McLaren’s surprising comments about prioritizing the team title over the drivers’ crown have left 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve fuming.
Villeneuve’s Verdict: “Nobody Cares About the Constructors”
Villeneuve, known for his outspoken opinions, didn’t mince words when slamming McLaren’s focus on the Constructors’ Championship. For the former champion, the team’s comments underscore a lack of ambition and an unwillingness to fully support Norris in his uphill battle for the drivers’ title.
“McLaren said the weirdest thing after Brazil, and that was the team’s priority was not the Drivers’ Championship but the Constructors’ title,” Villeneuve said. “That’s very odd. That’s what teams that don’t win say. Sure, the Constructors’ title brings you money, but nobody cares about it. People only remember who the world champion driver was.”
Villeneuve’s criticism comes as McLaren sits comfortably atop the Constructors’ Championship standings, yet their strategy and messaging suggest they’re not fully backing Norris to close the gap on Verstappen.
Missed Opportunities to Support Norris
Villeneuve also took aim at McLaren’s approach throughout the season, accusing the team of failing to prioritize Norris in critical moments. McLaren has largely maintained equal treatment for its drivers, even when aiding Norris could have bolstered his championship hopes.
“There have been quite a few instances this year where they could have helped Lando instead of giving equal treatment to their drivers,” Villeneuve pointed out. “The Constructors’ title is good on paper and brings extra money, but outside the team itself, nobody actually cares about it. To me, that shows they didn’t really help Lando out that much.”
The Uphill Battle for Norris
Norris’ chances of snatching the drivers’ title now rest on a near-miraculous turn of events. With only three races left—Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—the Brit would need Verstappen to suffer multiple DNFs or uncharacteristically poor performances to bridge the 62-point gap. Given Verstappen’s remarkable consistency in the RB20, this seems unlikely.
Barring a shock twist, the 2024 championship is slipping away from Norris. Many, including Villeneuve, are already looking ahead to 2025, when the McLaren driver might have a stronger shot at dethroning Verstappen.
McLaren’s Stance: Playing the Long Game?
While Villeneuve’s criticism is scathing, McLaren’s focus on the Constructors’ Championship could reflect a pragmatic approach. Securing the team title guarantees financial rewards that fuel development and future competitiveness. However, Villeneuve’s argument resonates with fans: Formula 1 is a sport where legends are made through drivers’ championships, not team accolades.
What’s Next for Norris?
For Norris, the final three races of 2024 offer a slim chance to salvage his title hopes but also an opportunity to gather momentum for 2025. McLaren will need to evaluate whether their team-first approach is costing them the chance to create a champion.
Villeneuve’s criticism highlights the fine line between pragmatism and ambition in Formula 1. If McLaren truly wants to challenge Red Bull’s dominance, 2025 may require not just a fast car but a clear commitment to their star driver.
