Villeneuve unimpressed by Vandoorne

©McLaren

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Never a man to hold back his opinion, Jacques Villeneuve says he isn't impressed with Stoffel Vandoorne's performance to date.

The 1997 world champion admits he is disappointed with what the McLaren driver has shown this year and considers he has yet to prove he is good enough to thrive in F1.

"It's disappointing, because he has not once stood up to Alonso," Villeneuve said.

"And unless he beats Alonso, you cannot call him great or even good enough.

"When I debuted in 1996, I started beating Damon Hill, an established name. I put the Williams on pole position in my first Grand Prix.

"You need to set the bar high in Formula 1," he said.

Honda committed to saving McLaren relationship

The Belgian has indeed lacked a good performance to put him on the map this year, although Honda's dismal reliability has also played its part in Vandoorne's lackluster start.

But former F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle belives it would be unfair to right the Belgian off just yet.

"The first six races were nothing to write home about," said the Brit.

"But you have to give him the benefit of the doubt, because at his age you do not suddenly forget how to win, as he did in all those other categories.

"And to criticise him now is not fair because he doesn't have a good car. I continue to believe in Stoffel, and I'm sure McLaren does too," Brundle added.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.