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Jacques Villeneuve surprises as he points out who was ‘nasty’ in the Piastri-Norris incident

Originally posted on HITC | By Ben Evans | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 11:25 AM ET

Andrea Stella and Zak Brown knew it was just a matter of time before this day arrived.

The Canadian Grand Prix has played host to McLaren incidents in the past. This time, it was Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris who found trouble.

Piastri started ahead after qualifying, but Norris looked better on race day with his alternative strategy, a move Martin Brundle said made up for a qualifying misstep. By the closing stages, Norris was closing in on the championship lead.

Drama unfolded when Kimi Antonelli found himself defending from both McLarens. Heading into Turn 1, Norris misjudged a move and hit the back of Piastri’s car. The hit ended Norris’ race – meanwhile, Piastri escaped damage and padded his championship advantage.

Norris was quick to admit blame over team radio, but Jacques Villeneuve felt there was more to it.

Villeneuve says Piastri was “nasty” at end of Canadian Grand Prix

Photo by Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Speaking on Instagram, Villeneuve said: “Antonelli needed [his podium], now he’ll get a little more confidence, that will be great for him.”

But on the McLaren collision, he added: “At the end between the two McLaren drivers, easy to point the finger at Norris. But he didn’t realize Piastri was moving left, and Piastri isn’t supposed to be doing that. It was a little bit nasty.”

Oscar Piastri calls Canadian GP “tricky” after Norris contact

Nico Rosberg has heard good things about Piastri’s mentality behind the scenes. He thinks Piastri is now the championship favorite.

Piastri himself was more measured after the race. “It was a tricky race. It wasn’t my best start and then we were a little on the back foot from there.”

“In the second half of the race, the pace was good, it was just tough to overtake. We come away with 12 points, which was probably the maximum.”

Both McLaren drivers left Montreal knowing the title fight is far from settled. Max Verstappen isn’t out of the picture yet, especially after gaining ground with his second-place finish.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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