Jacques Villeneuve: "Sebastian Vettel cannot trust Charles Leclerc"
- Bobby Vincent
With other drivers giving their team-mates an advantage in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix; the situation at Ferrari was not the same. Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve now believes Sebastian Vettel cannot trust his Scuderia colleague Charles Leclerc.
"I think Monza made sure the penny dropped," Villeneuve said to Auto Bild. "That he realises he cannot trust Leclerc. In fact, he knows that he is his first direct opponent.
"He has to get out of this vicious circle and he needs to put himself first."
Vettel is winless in 2019 and has endured a pretty torrid season; making numerous mistakes, whilst his team-mate has blossomed in his new Ferrari role. Villeneuve believes the four-time world champion is still well supported and he needs to feel the love he receives from the fans in order to rekindle his form.
"Other drivers have already made mistakes," the 1997 world champion continued. "It is now up to us to support Sebastian and ensure that he finds his form. It is important that he feels that we and the Tifosi stand behind him and trust him. After all, that is also what we do.
"He is a four-time world champion, let's not forget that either. The criticism he now receives is exaggerated and unfair: You can make mistakes when you are under pressure. He is and remains a human and not a robot. I would certainly not write off Sebastian."