Coulthard: Villeneuve Could Leave

Coulthard has spent time with Villeneuve in Switzerland this week, celebrating his 34th birthday, and the Briton believes that if the French-Canadian continues to find himself frustrated with his inability to get the most of out his Sauber, then he may be out sooner than some people believe.

Speaking in his column in Scottish newspaper The Daily Record on Friday, Coulthard said: "Jacques is having a difficult time so far this season at Sauber. Two races in and already the media are questioning if he will keep his seat. That cannot help things.

"I know he is capable of great things but unless we see a marked improvement by Imola it wouldn't surprise me to see him walk away or be encouraged to do so. The talk is of him being replaced by Anthony Davidson."

Davidson marked his return to Formula One action in the Malaysian Grand Prix, where he stood in for the unwell Takuma Sato at BAR, and it is understood that Sauber have already enquired with the Briton about his contractual situation.

But Coulthard has urged caution for those who believe that Davidson could instantly become a superstar if given the opportunity at Sauber.

"It would be good to have another Brit in Formula One and he is an able, fast, racing driver," continued the Red Bull Racing star. "But if you were to ask me if he is the next Schumacher (and that is what every team is looking for), then I would say no, he is not."