Williams' technical director Patrick Head has told Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya that they must grow up if they want to become serious challengers for the Formula One championship.
The Williams team have managed only three finishes from 14 starts this season, and while Head is pleased with the pace his drivers have shown he believes they will need to become more mature to match the great Williams partnerships of the past.
"In terms of speed, they compare very well with our previous partnerships, but I wouldn't say they rank with the likes of Piquet and Mansell or Jones and Reutemann in terms of wisdom," Head told Motorsport Newstoday.
"That's not just because of the bumps in Monaco, though certainly they were accidents we could have done without, as every accident is a limitation to what can be achieved."But generally, I wouldn't say it was a mature partnership. I suppose 10 or 20 years ago the drivers were in their mid-30's, but either they're younger now, or so protected from the ways of the world that they don't become as wise so quickly."
Head's comments follow those of team manager Frank Williams, who said at the Motor Expo exhibition on Monday that he was unhappy with his team's performance in the seven Grand Prix races so far this season.
Williams currently lie third in the constructors' championship behind leaders Ferrari and second-placed Mercedes McLaren, while Ralf Schumacher is fourth in the drivers' table.