F1 News

Jenson Button said Yamamoto should be in F1 a year ago!

Jenson Button said Yamamoto "should be in F1" a year ago!

15-10-2019 11:20

2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button believes that Naoki Yamamoto is fast enough for an F1 seat, following the Japanese driver's impressive first appearance at an F1 weekend, for Toro Rosso in FP1 at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

Yamamoto is favourite for a third consecutive Super Formula title, a notoriously difficult series to win that has seen the likes of Pierre Gasly and Stoffel Vandoorne compete before they joined F1.

Button partnered the 31-year old when they drove together in Super GT, and believes Yamamoto has the skill to drive in F1.

He said following their Super GT win last year: “I personally feel this guy should be in F1. 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 1, if you look at Gasly and also Stoffel 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.”