Button fears for Alguersuari

Jenson Button fears Jaime Alguersuari could destroy his career when he becomes the youngest driver to race in Formula One this weekend.

Toro Rosso have taken a major gamble by propelling Alguersuari into the seat for the remainder of the year, starting with the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, after deciding to axe Sebastien Bourdais.

Although Alguersuari is the reigning British F3 champion, and is currently competing in World Series by Renault, he has just two straight line aero tests to his name at the wheel of a F1 car.

That startling fact today raised a few eyebrows amongst the current crop of F1 drivers, with young Spaniard Alguersuari set to make his debut at the age of 19 years 126 days.

That would beat the record posted by New Zealander Mike Thackwell at the 1980 Canadian Grand Prix by 57 days.

Expressing his concerns, current championship leader Button said: “I started in F1 when I was 20 and I didn’t have the mileage for a superlicence, the proper mileage.

“But I did quite a bit of testing throughout the winter, and I was allowed to race because they thought it was enough and nobody else complained.

“If somebody gives you the opportunity to race in F1, you’re going to take it.

“When someone says you’ve the drive, its difficult to turn around and say ’No, I’m not ready yet. I need more experience’ because it is your dream to race in Formula One.

“But at his age it could absolutely destroy his career. It could end his dream of being competitive in Formula One.

“I don’t know the reasons for him getting the drive. I can guess, but he’s not going to help the team develop the car.

“I hope he does well. It’s a make-or-break thing for his career. If it does go well, fantastic, but it’s on a knife’s edge isn’t it?”

Button’s comment as to how Alguersuari obtained his drive alludes to the fact money has seemingly played a part, with Spanish bank La Caixa and petroleum giant Repsol understood to be two of his major sponsors.

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton concedes he “wouldn’t have been ready” for F1 if he had been in Alguersuari’s shoes.

Appreciating Alguersuari’s position, Hamilton said: “All I can say is any driver in the world would jump at the chance to be in a F1 car.

“I can’t look at it and say ’I wouldn’t do it’ because I would have done it, just the same, but fortunately I had people around me when I did come in.

“In 2006, when (Juan Pablo) Montoya left (McLaren), I was going to replace him at China, Japan and Brazil, and I’d only done straight line tests, but it would have been the worst move of my career.

“It took me eight days of strong, core testing before I felt really comfortable in the car and matching the pace of Pedro (de la Rosa) and starting to compete with the other guys.

“It takes confidence and a lot of preparation. If I hadn’t have had that testing and I’d gone into China, who knows if I’d have got my drive the following year.

“For me, it wasn’t a good idea, but he may prove us all wrong, and all the best to him.”

Mark Webber was another to criticise the move, claiming Formula One is not “a learning school.”

The Australian, who claimed his maiden career victory in Germany 11 days ago at the 130th attempt, added: “When you arrive in Formula One you should be ready.

“I wouldn’t have been ready to be honest, but these days they seem to be ready a lot earlier.

“They are coming younger every time, and that’s the way it is.”

Defending his position, Alguersuari was somewhat dismissive as he said: “I’m relaxed.

“I know what I can do, what people can expect from me, and the most important thing is I know what I have to do.

“It’s another car, another race in my career. At the end it’s just one steering wheel and two pedals.

“I know I’m not really experienced, that I need some mileage with the car, but that’s what I’m here for.

“This is a new car for me, a new championship, and I need to learn, to have experience.

“With it being my first weekend here, it’s not an easy track to do the first race, but this is the situation right now.

“I just have to do the best job, and to drive the car.”