Villeneuve sketches learning curve Perez: 'He's on the same level as Bottas'

Red Bull Racing won the Constructors' Championship in Monaco for the first time in a long time, but they will have a tough job this season if second-placed driver Sergio Perez is not more consistent at the front of the grid. Jacques Villeneuve also sees this as a weakness for Red Bull, as well as a bright spot.

Asked by Motorsport-Total on Red Bull's chances of holding on to the lead in the title, the Canadian racing driver analyses as follows: "The big problem is that Perez was not in the fight. He was fast, but somehow it went wrong [in Monaco]. Mercedes has two cars and they can use Bottas in the strategy. With two cars it's a lot easier to choose and execute the right strategy."

Despite this, Villeneuve predicts that as the Red Bull's handling starts to feel more natural, Perez will naturally prove useful to the team. "Perez is at least on Valtteri's level when it comes to driving. At some point this will turn around," the driver said.

Red Bull Ring

Villeneuve also sees the value of the battle for the Formula One viewing public, saying: "What we see now is what we should have: cars that are fast on some circuits and not on others. That throws everything upside down. What will be very exciting is two races at the Red Bull Ring. Usually, it's not a bad circuit for Red Bull ..."