Jenson Button has said that he believes his Super GT team-mate, Naoki Yamamoto, deserves his chance in Formula One.
Button and Yamamoto won the Super GT Championship this year, and the latter also clinched the Super Formula title for a famous double.
Yamamoto has now earned enough superlicense points (40) which would qualify him for a Formula One seat.
Button has worked with the Japanese driver this year and believes his ability means he is ready for F1.
“I personally feel this guy should be in F1,” Button said.
“Whether he wants to or not, that’s my opinion.
“Seeing what he’s achieved in Super Formula, which I think has been a very good proving ground for Formula, if you look at [Pierre] Gasly and also Stoffel [Vandoorne] and many other drivers. But also his diversity in his driving.
“So [he’s] champion in Super Formula, champion in Super GT. The wealth of experience from different types of racing all of this helps when you find yourself under pressure at the top.”
There has been no real speculation about Yamamoto making an appearance in Formula One, but Honda have spoken about giving him a practice outing in the sport.