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.
"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."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Upset in Miami! While everyone was expected another Max-fest, McLaren’s Lando Norris stunned the crowds…
McLaren team principal joined in the celebrations for Lando Norris' victory in Sunday's Miami Grand…
If there was a poll commissioned to find the most widely liked driver on the…
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen suffered in the Miami Grand Prix his second defeat of the…
It's been a long time in coming but Lando Norris finally clinched his maiden Grand…
Full race results from the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome, round 6 of…