Jacques Villeneuve accuses McLaren of being weak

Jacques Villeneuve has accused McLaren of being weak on the subject of combating with Pink Bull.

The 1997 Method 1 world champion has taken intention on the Woking-based staff after Max Verstappen swooped previous polesitter Oscar Piastri on his technique to victory final weekend within the Emilia-Romagna GP.

Pink Bull boss Christian Horner spoke about his shock at how a lot of a tempo benefit Verstappen had over Piastri and Lando Norris.

McLaren labored over swapping Norris and Piastri round within the race, with the Aussie on an older set of tyres, and Villeneuve believes missing that ruthlessness is now costing McLaren factors.

He advised Sky Sports activities F1: “McLaren present weak spot. Principally, they do not present the energy that Pink Bull are all the time exhibiting yr after yr.

“It is as in the event that they’re afraid to be aggressive in attempting to win the drivers’ championship, and so they’re afraid to go in opposition to Piastri. It is actually, actually odd.

“Piastri tousled that first nook. He received caught out sleeping. He ought to by no means have come out of the nook second after which he did not have the tempo, which was odd. Norris had extra tempo.

“On the restart, McLaren knew that it was a matter of laps earlier than Norris would have taken Piastri with the tyre distinction, it was apparent.

“100 per cent certain he would get forward, so why make him lose three laps as a substitute of giving him a shot at Verstappen?”

The Dutchman’s win sliced Piastri’s lead within the championship to 22 factors whereas Norris’s second place is 13 factors adrift of his team-mate.

Villeneuve says McLaren’s failure to prioritise any driver is now taking part in into Verstappen’s fingers within the title race.

He added: “As a result of Verstappen is in for the championship. You do not wish to give Verstappen wins. That is extra factors for him within the drivers’ championship.

“They appear to be pleased with second and third. McLaren has a automotive the place weekend means first and second. Something much less is a bit disappointing.

“First and third is pretty acceptable, however they appear pleased with second and third. That weak spot factor. You may see it additionally within the technique. When Norris went lengthy, why do you pit him?

“You made the choice to go lengthy. You keep on the observe. Your tempo continues to be good. So why pit somewhat bit early? It is as in case you’re afraid to go for it.

“They did not benefit from the digital security automotive. On the finish of the day, with the opposite security automotive, it did not make a distinction. However nonetheless, it exhibits that lack of ‘let’s go for it’.”