1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes McLaren can no longer afford to treat both drivers equally as Max Verstappen mounts his title comeback and must pick a "number one".
With Verstappen trailing Oscar Piastri by just 69 points following back-to-back victories, the pressure is increasing on McLaren to ensure one of its drivers wins the title.
In Villeneuve's eyes, McLaren must prioritise either Piastri or Lando Norris in the championship fight, putting the latter in a difficult position.
"The difficult thing for Norris is that, if Verstappen gets closer and closer, the team has to start favouring Piastri," Villeneuve told OLBG. "He then has to become the number one.
"Above all, we are then talking about a title fight between two different teams. It promises to be a tough battle, since we are talking about the best driver in the world," he said, referring to Verstappen.
Verstappen has cruised to victory in the last two races, while Norris failed to capitalise on Piastri crashing out in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
It has brought the Dutchman right back into the mix for a fifth consecutive title, increasing the pressure on both McLaren drivers.
"Norris is in a predicament," added Villeneuve. "Max's victory in Azerbaijan really put him back in the title race, and he is not someone who succumbs under pressure.
"In fact, Verstappen will actually add to the pressure for both McLaren drivers."
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Verstappen becomes the chaser
For Verstappen, he is in the unusual position of being the chasing driver in the title fight, rather than the driver being chased.
It is a scenario the 27-year-old is thriving in, with Villeneuve pinpointing that the reigning world champion knows "exactly" where his rivals are.
"He is on McLaren's heels, knows exactly where they are and where he needs to go," explained Villeneuve. "That makes it easy.
"But when you're ahead, you can't see what's happening behind you. Sometimes you are tempted to look back, but you can't afford to."
Red Bull has made a remarkable turnaround since introducing its new floor in Monza, which has transformed the RB21 and put Verstappen into the title mix.
"Red Bull has turned the tide and is delivering great performances under pressure," praised Villeneuve.
"They are real fighters. Last year McLaren showed that they are not that yet, and that is recognised internally."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix! Oscar Piastri's shock Baku crashes are a major talking point, as is whether Max Verstappen has drawn himself back into the F1 title fight.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
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