Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, has shared his insights on the current dynamics at Ferrari, particularly regarding the performance of their drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
As of now, Charles Leclerc occupies the sixth position in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing his teammate Carlos Sainz by six points. Leclerc’s recent struggles, marked by an error-filled Dutch Grand Prix and a tough duel with Sainz at the Italian Grand Prix, have raised questions about his consistency and performance.
Jacques Villeneuve, speaking exclusively to PlanetF1.com at Monza, believes that Carlos Sainz is currently the stronger driver at Ferrari. He points out that Leclerc’s frustration appears to be affecting his driving, leading to a series of mistakes.
Villeneuve describes the situation at Ferrari as “chaos” and notes that the team lacks a clear sense of direction. He emphasizes that Leclerc’s lack of confidence and errors are not conducive to the team’s progress. In contrast, he sees Carlos Sainz as the better-performing driver at Ferrari at the moment.
Villeneuve highlights the importance of drivers pushing their teams to excel, as exemplified by Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. However, he believes that the Ferrari drivers, including Leclerc, are not fulfilling this role.
Considering Ferrari’s ongoing rebuilding process under the leadership of team boss Fred Vasseur, Villeneuve suggests that what the team needs most from its drivers right now is consistency and a patient approach. Carlos Sainz seems to embody these qualities more effectively, contributing to his better performance this season.
Regarding Charles Leclerc, Villeneuve speculates that the years without significant success and watching his contemporary Verstappen achieve victories and titles may be taking a toll on his confidence and driving performance. He acknowledges Leclerc’s potential and believes he is currently capable of better results.
In summary, Jacques Villeneuve’s perspective sheds light on the challenges and dynamics within the Ferrari team, emphasizing the importance of consistency, confidence, and team support in Formula 1.
