Lando Norris "did not put one foot wrong" at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Jacques Villeneuve has said after the McLaren driver eased to a superb victory, the 10th of his F1 career.
The Briton finished half a minute ahead of Charles Leclerc in second place, the biggest winning margin since Max Verstappen won the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2023.
After the chequered flag, Villeneuve compared Norris to the Dutchman, arguing the commanding performance "showed strength" that is only usually seen from the Red Bull driver.
The four-time F1 drivers' champion rounded off the podium places following the 71-lap race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, putting together a robust and determined drive of his own, having started fifth.
However, it was Norris who stole all the plaudits in Mexico City, reclaiming the lead of the F1 drivers' championship fight from Oscar Piastri for the first time in 15 rounds.
Now, the McLaren team-mates are separated by just one point with four rounds to go. Verstappen remains a looming threat at 36 points adrift.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Villeneuve reflected on what he believed was a world champion's drive from the 25-year-old.
"He did not put one foot wrong all weekend," the 1997 F1 drivers' champion said of Norris. "He showed strength that we only really see in Max.
"We saw it last year as well, so it was just mid-season that was a little disappointing. He was barely on Piastri's level.
"And now, he drove like a world champion or someone who wants to win a world championship."
Whilst Verstappen has stolen headlines in recent rounds for his imperious form, Norris has also put in a string of strong performances to wipe away Piastri's once 34-point advantage.
Villeneuve is confident he can continue to deliver those results as the season reaches a climax. The 11-time grand prix winner added: "He's on a roll, he really is on a roll. He should be able to carry on this way."
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