Ferrari wrong to promote Leclerc in 2019 - Villeneuve

The always opinionated Jacques Villeneuve has chimed in on Charles Leclerc's prospects for next season and the rumors of his likely move up the ladder to a plum Ferrari drive.

According to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, the House of Maranello has signed Leclerc to a two-year deal from 2019, replacing Kimi Raikkonen.

Villeneuve however sees the move as premature and potentially a risky proposition for the Scuderia.

"I think it's too early for him," the 1997 world champion told Auto Bild in Austria.

"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.

Leclerc gets big bucks for 2-year Ferrari deal!

"If Sebastian has to develop the car alone next year, that's a disadvantage," the Canadian added.

"I would give Leclerc another year to develop and learn."

Villeneuve said there is also no reason for Ferrari to rush to sign up the obviously impressive Monaco-born rookie.

"He's in Ferrari's junior team anyway with a contract," he said of Leclerc.

"So I don't see any reason to rush him into the A team. Because really we don't know how good he really is. He's only had Ericsson as a yardstick."

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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.