Yuki Tsunoda told to be 'worried' by Red Bull 'ready' F1 rival

Jacques Villeneuve has claimed he would be "worried" if he were in Yuki Tsunoda's position at Red Bull, given the performances of Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls.

The 1997 F1 drivers' champion expressed how impressed he has been with the Frenchman, who he feels is already knocking on the door of a promotion to Milton Keynes-based team, despite being just six full rounds into his F1 career.

His debut, at the Australian Grand Prix, could not have gone worse, with the 20-year-old crashing on the formation lap. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out drivers this season.

Villeneuve highlighted Hadjar's response to that painful set back when assessing his step up to F1. When asked how impressed he has been, the Canadian zeroed in on how well the Racing Bulls driver has adapted to the machinery at his disposal.

"Very well, because Melbourne could have been psychologically a very tough moment, and he just stood straight and carried on - didn't get too affected the following race," Villeneuve replied on Sky Sports F1.

"But he seems to be able to work with the team. He seems to understand the car, to put it in a window that allows him to drive well, because he seems to be out-driving that car.

"And why? Because he gets that setup that makes it just more comfortable for him. He can be aggressive. And if I was Tsunoda, I would be worried right now."

Villeneuve maintained Red Bull's marriage of convenience with Tsunoda leaves the Japanese driver vulnerable.

And whilst Hadjar has shone, Tsunoda has struggled to match the form and results of Max Verstappen, scoring just nine points in the four rounds since taking over the seat from Liam Lawson.

To Williams' last drivers' champion, Hadjar is now showing he "might be ready" to assume the role of Verstappen's team-mate, which is widely considered the most difficult drive in F1.

"Remember, Tsunoda was only ever there because of Honda," the 12-time grand prix winner stated, underscoring Tsunoda's backing from Red Bull's outgoing power unit provider.

"They didn't put him in the main car last year because they don't want Tsunoda, but they didn't have a choice when Lawson wasn't up to scratch.

"And they're afraid that Hadjar is just too young, not ready, [Red Bull is thinking]: 'let's not burn him', but he's showing now that he might be ready."