How important is Webber in Piastri's corner for this F1 title fight?

The 1997 F1 World Champion sees Webber’s management as a crucial factor in helping Piastri avoid the political traps that once ensnared him at Red Bull. Villeneuve explained: “Webber won’t let Piastri get in the same position he once was in with Vettel.

"It’s not because he’s a fellow countryman, it’s because Webber has been in that position with the team, the teammate and all the politics involved. He really knows what it takes. He’s got a lot of experience and he’s an enormous source of wisdom and strength to Oscar.”

Villeneuve drew a sharp contrast between McLaren’s current dynamic and the toxic atmosphere Webber endured alongside Sebastian Vettel. “It was a different situation for Webber. There was clear favouritism inside the Red Bull team during his time, which was for Vettel.

"This is not the case at McLaren. The dice were weighted against Webber at the time. Mark got caught out in that spiral. He won’t let Piastri get in the same situation," ventured Villeneuve, during his Monza preview with Comeon Sport.

That guidance could prove decisive as McLaren’s season continues to be defined by the intra-team rivalry that has left Piastri narrowly ahead in the standings after Zandvoort.

With two wins since the summer break, Piastri’s rise has drawn inevitable comparisons with past Australian stars. But Villeneuve warned against rushing to crown him the greatest yet. “Different eras, very different eras. You really can’t compare the two, the sport has changed too much.

"His progress has been very good. He still needs to win it and he still needs to carry on after that. That’s what will be telling. The path he is drawing right now is quite impressive.”

Norris, who trails his teammate in the championship after a costly DNF in Zandvoort, has faced questions about whether his emotional nature could hinder his title charge.

Villeneuve disagrees: “No, it is good. Otherwise, you just keep it all inside and you burn out at some point, and then that’s it. Everyone has a different way of moving forward with that kind of stuff and, you know, to be open can also be a show of strength.”

The battle between the McLarens remains finely poised, but with Webber in his corner, Piastri may have the edge in the psychological and political fight that often decides championships as much as raw speed.