Coulthard: Hamilton in F1 too soon

Hamilton was confirmed as Fernando Alonso's 2007 teammate on Friday. He will become the first rookie to start a season for McLaren since Michael Andretti in 1993.

And although the Hamilton decision has been widely supported, Coulthard is more cautious about what the promotion will mean.

Speaking to the News of the World, Coulthard said: "I believe McLaren have given him his break way too soon. He could face a very tough time with Alonso as his teammate.

"Alonso may be new to McLaren but he is a double world champion. The first person you are compared to is your teammate and if Lewis struggles alongside Alonso it could destroy his confidence."

Coulthard believes that Hamilton would probably have been better off testing for a season to get used to the demands of F1 machinery, rather than thrown in at the deep end.

"It's great for Lewis to be the first black driver in F1," added Coulthard. "I've known him since he was a kid in karting and I have absolutely no doubt he has the right attitude and work ethic to be successful in F1.

"But he would have been better off with a year's testing. He is still only 21 and has plenty of racing years ahead of him. There is no doubting his potential. But he needs time to develop - not just as a driver, but also as a man.

"I was 24 when Williams gave me my Grand Prix chance after Ayrton Senna was so tragically killed at Imola. But I had already had three years testing and preparing myself. I still made mistakes on the track, as well as in life, because I was still trying to live my life and race cars.

"I understand that Lewis is desperate to race, but he would have been better armed to deal with all the pressure through the benefit of experience."

Hamilton is aware of the difficulties he will face next season, but said on Friday that he was relishing the prospect of going up against Alonso - especially because he could learn so much from the Spaniard.