Under the circumstances, most of the drivers believe that Alguersuari will fail to adjust to the tough driving of Formula One. 32-year old veteran Mark Webber – starter in 132 Grands Prix so far – was the first to say it loud and clear.
“When you arrive in formula one you should be ready. It's not a learning school,” said the Australian driver during the Thursday press conference at the Hungaroring. Webber made his own F1 debut at 26 years of age, with Team Minardi. He added, however, that there is little a rookie driver can do to prepare himself for F1, given the in-season testing ban imposed by the FIA.
A few other drivers who have themselves debuted in Formula One at a young age – Felipe Massa, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton – echoed Webber's comments, insisting on the risks of jumping into a Formula One cockpit without any prior testing and no F1 experience whatsoever.
“For me, he's too young. I don't think it is good for him. It was not easy for me, but the difference is that even if it was not easy for me, at least I had spent the winter doing lots of testing,” said Massa.
Button was much harsher, arguing that Alguersuari could actually destroy his entire career by taking Toro Rosso's offer. “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,” added the Brit.
“In 2006, when Montoya left, I was going to replace him (at McLaren) and I'd only done straight-line tests, but it would have been the worst move of my career. 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,” concluded reigning F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
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