Leclerc potential puts Vettel at big risk - Villeneuve

Jacques Villeneuve sees a potential for disorder at Ferrari this season if Charles Leclerc happens to edge Sebastian Vettel.

The outspoken 1997 F1 world champion believes it should be business as usual this year for Grand Prix racing's three front-running squads, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

"I don't see any changes, the engines are the same, there are some changes to the aerodynamics but I don't think they're big enough to make any difference," Villeneuve told Italy's Corriere della Sera.

• Vettel will take priority over Leclerc, Ferrari admits

But the Canadian expects disruption to set in at the Scuderia if the mercurial Leclerc lives up to everyone's expectations.

"We'll have to wait and see what happens," he added.

"If he enjoys a strong start it could involuntarily create a mess with Vettel. Just like it did with Ricciardo [at Red Bull] a few years ago."

"In theory, Vettel was the favourite but things can sometimes go against you a psychological level and you don't know why."

Villeneuve believes that Vettel will need to remain consistently strong all year round or risk getting elbowed out by Leclerc at the end of the year.

"A lot will depend on the comparison with Leclerc," said Villeneuve.

"He knows that if things don't go well, the future at Ferrari will no longer be his but Leclerc's. The pressure is completely on him.

"Seb has everything to lose, Charles has nothing."

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