1997 F1 champion Jacques Villenueve has stated Mercedes should be “worried” over the security of its placement at the head of the pecking order.
The Brackley-based squad has enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, winning the opening three grands prix.
It has stretched out a strong lead in the constructors’ championship as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli attempt to battle it out for the drivers’ title.
However, last time out in Japan, Oscar Piastri enjoyed a positive opening stint for McLaren and managed to stay ahead of Russell in the lead.
As a result, Villeneuve has suggested McLaren’s pace around Suzuka should have Mercedes concerned.
“We’ve seen McLaren being very good at responding last year,” Villeneuve told F1.
“But I would be worried if I were Mercedes now, because the first two races, [it was] easy.
“They felt safe, they don’t feel safe after this race. The gap is not as big as they expected, mostly on a track that is very car-dependent.
“This is a track where, if your car is good, you’ll be in front, and a weekend for Mercedes where you don’t finish first and second is not a good weekend.
“A normal weekend for Mercedes is first and second. [Japan] was a big off.”
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli managed to win the grand prix, benefitting from a well-timed safety car pit stop to recycle himself ahead of Piastri.
The Australian crossed the line in second place, bagging the Woking-based squad’s first podium of the campaign.
