Jacques Villeneuve tells Ferrari Leclerc isn't ready for big seat

Jacques Villeneuve says that it'll be wrong for Ferrari to put Charles Leclerc in the red car because he isn't ready for it yet. The 1997 World Champion tells Auto Bild if Ferrari promote their driver next season, it could end up ruining his future.

Whatever happens, Ferrari are in control of Leclerc because he is currently part of their driver academy. They decided that he would drive in the Sauber this season, and will decide where he goes next year. Villeneuve recommends they give the 20-year-old another year to pick up the ropes.

"I think it's too early for him, On the one hand, Ferrari risks burning him if he is beaten by Vettel. And on the other hand, they need an experienced second driver, and Kimi Raikkonen is quite stable now," Villeneuve told Auto Bild.

Over the past week, Leclerc has been heavily linked with the Italian team. He was asked in the Austrian paddock about the possibility of driving in red next year and just dismissed it as a dream.

In qualifying yesterday, he was eliminated in 13th but will start today's race from 18th because of a five-place gearbox grid penalty.