Former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has sparked controversy with his recent remarks about Oscar Piastri’s rise in the 2025 season. After winning four of the last five races, Piastri currently leads the championship standings by 16 points over teammate Lando Norris. Villeneuve suggested that Piastri is receiving preferential treatment from the FIA, implying that this support may be aiding his title challenge against reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Villeneuve pointed to specific incidents to back up his claims, such as Piastri’s controversial run-ins with Verstappen in Saudi Arabia and with Kimi Antonelli in Miami. He argued that penalties are applied unevenly, with Piastri being treated more leniently than others like Verstappen. According to Villeneuve, this kind of favoritism can significantly impact a driver’s ability to compete for the championship.
He likened the current intra-team dynamic at McLaren and the title battle to past rivalries, such as the intense Hamilton-Rosberg era. Villeneuve believes that the way a driver is perceived—particularly as a rising star or fan favorite—can influence how stewards handle disciplinary decisions, which he feels has worked to Piastri’s advantage this season.
Additionally, Villeneuve highlighted Piastri’s composure under pressure and the guidance he receives from mentor Mark Webber as key assets. He referred to Piastri as the “golden child” and noted that the Australian driver enjoys immense support, both from fans and seemingly from governing bodies, contributing to his current momentum.
Inside McLaren, the competition between Piastri and Norris has heated up, especially given the team’s stance of not favoring a lead driver. While Piastri holds the lead now, Villeneuve believes Norris still has the potential to rebound if he can mentally recover from losing the top position in the standings to his teammate.
As the championship heads to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Piastri is on the verge of matching an iconic record set by Ayrton Senna. A win at Imola would mark his fourth consecutive victory, making him the second McLaren driver to achieve this feat after Senna. With five podiums from six races and 131 points, Piastri looks determined to extend his lead and possibly make history.