Button fears Alguersuari could ‘destroy’ career

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 raised a few eyebrows amongst the current 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.

“It’s 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.

“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.”

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.

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.

“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 takes confidence and 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, all the best to him.”

Mark Webber was another to criticise the move, claiming F1 is not “a learning school.”

The Australian 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.”

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."