Villeneuve: Ferrari "Way Off" Ahead of Home Race in Monza

Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve delivers a bleak assessment of Ferrari's prospects for their home Italian Grand Prix, suggesting the team is "way off" form. This comes after a disastrous race in Zandvoort and a grid penalty for Lewis Hamilton.Why it matters: Ferrari traditionally performs well at Monza, often finding an extra boost for their home fans. However, Villeneuve believes this year is different, casting doubt on their ability to compete at the front.The big picture: Ferrari faced a nightmare at Zandvoort. Lewis Hamilton crashed, and Charles Leclerc retired after colliding with Kimi Antonelli. Post-race, Hamilton received a five-grid place penalty for Monza due to failing to slow under double-waved yellow flags during reconnaissance laps at Zandvoort.Villeneuve's take: He states Ferrari's car is "not working" and a "little extra" won't be enough this year. Villeneuve suggests Charles Leclerc is increasingly frustrated, potentially realizing he may "never be world champion," especially with new regulations approaching in 2025, which Ferrari typically struggles with. He contrasts Leclerc with Hamilton, noting Hamilton's multiple world championships provide a buffer against declining 'star' status. Villeneuve argues Ferrari is the "fourth horse" despite potentially finishing second in the Constructors' Championship, benefiting from only one driver scoring points at Red Bull and Mercedes.Team's perspective: Before Hamilton's penalty, team principal Frederic Vasseur noted Hamilton's improved confidence at Zandvoort, calling it a "good recovery" after tough races. Hamilton himself acknowledged the "huge amount of pressure" on the team and himself for Monza, vowing to "absorb all the energy from the fans."