As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Zak Brown, Andrea Stella and the entire organization McLaren Racing find themselves on the brink of greatness. With a car capable of winning races and a driver line-up that displays proven talent and untapped potential, McLaren is ready to deliver what fans have been waiting for: a long-awaited championship double.
But with expectations soaring, the 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve issued a clear challenge to the Woking-based team: seize the moment, or risk being remembered as the team who let history slip away.
Lando Norris: Fluke or future champion?
Villeneuve was outspoken in his assessment of McLaren's star driver, Lando Norriswho was very close to dethroning Max Verstappen in 2024. Norris has proven his worth, taking victories and podiums en route to nearly toppling Verstappen's four-year title streak. But Villeneuve believes 2025 will be the ultimate test of Norris' skills.
“Lando Norris needs to prove that last season wasn't a fluke,” Villeneuve said. “That he can run consistently at Max’s level. If he can beat Oscar Piastri consistently, he will have cemented his position, and McLaren will need to back him to win the Drivers' Championship.”
While Norris' talent is indisputable, his ability to withstand the relentless pressure of the battle against Verstappen—and a Oscar Piastri improving—will define McLaren's season. For Villeneuve, the stakes are clear: Norris must rise to the occasion to secure the ultimate prize.
Oscar Piastri: The Black Horse
With Oscar PiastriMcLaren has a driver brimming with potential. The young Australian showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, taking his first career victory and proving he can challenge the best. Villeneuve sees Piastri as both a weapon for McLaren and a potential disruptor in Norris' title quest.
“Oscar is a champion in the making,” noted Villeneuve. “But for McLaren the key will be to manage the internal dynamics. If Lando falters, Oscar will seize the opportunity, and that could create friction.”
Managing this delicate balance will be a critical task for Zak Brown and Andrea Stella as they aim to avoid intra-squad chaos while maximizing their championship aspirations.
Missed Opportunities in 2024
Reflecting on McLaren's 2024 campaign, Villeneuve was candid about the team's shortcomings.
“McLaren lost so many points in the Drivers' Championship. They missed a big opportunity to put pressure on Max. They could have been world champions.”
Although McLaren won the Constructors' Championship, Villeneuve downplayed its importance to fans, stressing that the spotlight still shines brightest on the Drivers' Champion.
“The Manufacturers' Championship just puts money in the bank. For fans, it's very minor. To say that 'the Drivers' Championship wasn't important' is just a fallacy.”
The Path to Glory in 2025
For McLaren, the path to a historic double lies in their ability to learn from the mistakes of 2024 and harness the full potential of their driver line-up. There RB21 may have revealed cracks in Red Bull's dominance, but Max Verstappen remains a formidable opponent. Villeneuve stressed that beating Verstappen will require not only speed, but flawless execution.
“Beating Max Verstappen will never be easy, no matter which Red Bull he drives.”
Villeneuve's Verdict
The 2025 season features a rare all-star alignment for McLaren. With a competitive car, two world-class drivers, and a clear chance to win both championships, the stakes have never been higher. Villeneuve's message to the team is clear: no excuses, no distractions—this is the time for McLaren to redefine its legacy.
Will McLaren achieve the double and regain its place at the top of Formula 1? Or will internal challenges and Verstappen's genius compromise their ambitions once again? The countdown to an electrifying season begins.
