Aug.6 (GMM) Jacques Villeneuve says he doesn’t expect the rising McLaren title fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to turn into a legendary intra-team war – at least not yet.
With McLaren dominating the 2025 constructors’ standings heading into the August break, all eyes are now on which of the two young drivers will emerge on top in the second half of the season.
“They always seem happy when their opponent does better and wins a race,” Villeneuve told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It’s a bit of a strange situation.
“I can’t imagine, for example, Senna and Prost doing the same thing.
“But I think that once they’re sure they’ve won the Constructors’ Championship, they’ll start to show their character more on the track,” said the 1997 world champion. “And then the competition between the two will really heat up.
“Or at least I hope so!”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown confirmed to De Telegraaf that the team is sticking to a policy of “fair and equal racing” – enforced by internal so-called ‘papaya rules’ designed to prevent contact, but not competition.
“Our drivers are treated equally and fairly,” Brown said. “They get to decide who becomes champion, and at the same time, the constructors’ title takes care of itself.”
Brown, however, acknowledged the risks – and the pressure.
“We know there are risks involved, if you want to call it that from a driver’s perspective, like in 2007,” he said, referencing Hamilton vs Alonso. “The downside of favouring one driver is that the other might leave.”
Piastri, for instance, was visibly angry after a controversial penalty at Silverstone cost him a win, but Brown says the issue was handled.
“Oscar was angry after the race at Silverstone, and that was understandable. I had to break the ice with him,” said Brown.
“I sometimes got nasty messages from fans on social media. After that race, one message from an Oscar fan was quite intense. Oscar and I were walking somewhere together, and I showed him the message and he said, ‘Hey, you didn’t have to show me that!'” he laughed.
“Oscar had already cooled down by then.”
Another close call came last weekend in Hungary, but McLaren still secured a 1-2 finish. “The tension will only increase,” Brown predicted, “and they’ll definitely meet on track, but I’m confident they won’t deliberately run each other off.
“Racing incidents are part of the game.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas - one of the world's finest racing circuits. This year's event features one of six Sprint races on the F1 schedule. Grand Prix Tours offers a fully appointed, personally tailored race experience for passionate enthusiasts at what has become a great American tradition and another anticipated sold-out event.
SHOW PACKAGES
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES