Jenson Button advises careful promotion of young drivers to protect their burgeoning careers.
As 19-year-old Oliver Bearman steps up to F1 with Haas next season and 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli is in contention for a Mercedes seat in 2025, 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, who debuted with Williams at age 20, stresses that teams must exercise caution when recruiting very young drivers.
“I recall even Martin Brundle saying, ‘I think he’s too young,’ when I joined F1 with Williams.”
“But it was good that he said that. I was very young, I had hardly done any testing because the engines kept blowing up, so I didn’t have enough mileage for a superlicence, but they gave me one anyway.”
“I don’t think it’s too early. I believe you have to take every opportunity that comes your way. Particularly for young people aged 17, 18, 19, you can’t just say ‘no.'”
“However, teams really need to consider what they are doing to a driver’s career at that age.”
“If he thrives, that’s great. But with the pressures this sport brings, it can also destroy a driver’s career.”
“There is a real balance to be found, and teams need to be mindful of that.”
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Button Warns: Young F1 Promotions May Harm Careers Button Warns: Young F1 Promotions May Harm Careers
