1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has shared his thoughts on the Canadian Grand Prix, questioning why a red flag wasn’t waved after Lando Norris’ crash with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.
The race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve ended under safety car conditions after Norris crashed into the back of his team-mate and the wall. Unfortunately for the British driver, his race was over. However, Piastri was able to continue and crossed the line in fourth position.
Mercedes’ driver George Russell secured his first Grand Prix win of the season. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished in second, and Russell’s Mercedes team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepped on the podium for the first time in his F1 career with a third-place finish.
“Grand Prix over and great podium for Antonelli,” the Canadian said on his Instagram Story. “He needed it after the last three races that were difficult. Now he gets a little bit more confidence. That would be great for him.
“And what could have been, should have been an exciting race turned into a not-so-exciting race.
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images via Getty Images
“And also the end of the race, I mean, the rules allow for a red flag so we can have a new start for two laps. Sprint, always exciting. And they decided to have a boring safety car finish. Well, too bad. [It] was mainly a race of attrition on the tyres. Basically, they were all massaging the tyres instead of pushing hard.”
Commenting specifically on the clash between the two McLarens, Villeneuve continued, “The clash in between the two McLaren drivers – like, easy to point a finger at Norris.
“He realised too late that Piastri was moving towards the left because he had his nose in the gearbox of Piastri, Piastri didn’t realise it, and Piastri was edging gradually towards the left, and he’s not supposed to be doing that. That was a little bit nasty. So, there will be some talks later inside the team.”
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