Jacques Villeneuve issues Ferrari warning after F1 driver criticism

1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has warned Ferrari that the atmosphere inside the team could get “out of control” amid its difficult run of form.

Ferrari has not yet won a grand prix this year and endured a disastrous round in Brazil last time out, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc retiring from the race.

In the days after the race, Ferrari chairman John Elkann stated the drivers must "talk less" and "focus" on driving.

Weighing in on the uncomfortable situation, Villeneuve questioned why Elkann felt the need to make such a statement.

“We live in a time where everything is blown out of proportion, whether on social media or through excessive analysis,” Villeneuve told BetVictor Casino, as quoted by Speedweek.

“But I don’t see how these comments are supposed to be helpful, especially not in promoting a positive attitude, because Leclerc and Hamilton are united behind their team. Both used their social media channels to call for unity.

“Obviously, the mood at Ferrari isn’t good, which isn’t surprising. There haven’t been any wins for years. 

“Expectations were high this year, so the disappointment is huge. That’s why emotions are running high. 

”The problem is, when something like this gets into the media, it gets ugly, and that's never good. Then things get out of control.”

Hamilton was brought in by Ferrari this year following a lengthy and successful stint at Mercedes - however the partnership has so far failed to yield promising results.

Villeneuve asserted Ferrari must be careful over how it treats the seven-time champion within the team or risk an awkward break-up.

“Ferrari really has to be careful, because it's a fine line. We've seen what happened to Prost, Mansell, and almost every other driver with a strong personality at Ferrari. 

“It would be a real shame if it ended like that again.”