Jacques Villeneuve believes Ferrari has "lost momentum" after being overtaken by Red Bull in the constructors' drivers' championships.

The Scuderia had two challenging weekends in Spain and Monaco, particularly for Charles Leclerc, who abandoned due to a mechanical problem while leading in Barcelona and fell from first to fourth in Monte Carlo because of a strategic error.

Villeneuve is impressed with Leclerc's recent performance, but he was confused by Ferrari's strategy for him in Monaco.

"Just like in Barcelona, Charles Leclerc was much better than the rest of the pack," Villeneuve wrote in his column for the Dutch publication .

"He was relaxed all weekend and had everything under control. That was expected here, of course, because his car is fast in the downhill corners."

"However, in the race, I found it hard to understand. They didn't want to risk anything with Leclerc. Not to risk it? This is a city that loves a gamble, with all its casinos."

"Not taking risks and being conservative never works out in Monaco; (Carlos) Sainz and (Sergio) Perez made the right decision."

In the early stages of the season, Leclerc and Ferrari were at the top of the table in both championships.

However, everything changed after Leclerc's abandonment at the Spanish GP, with Max Verstappen now leading the drivers' points and Red Bull ahead in the constructors'. Villeneuve feels that this should not be the case.

"Leclerc has clearly been the strongest of all the drivers in two consecutive races," said the 1997 world champion.

"He is making absolutely no mistakes. He drove well (in Barcelona) and had mechanical problems, and here his strategy didn't work. He didn't even get on the podium and again lost points to Max."

"Ferrari has lost momentum, they should be leading the pack, including the constructors' championship."