Watson: Button will be breath of fresh air

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the former McLaren driver believes the 20-year-old Williams driver will be able to cope with the pressure following his move from Formula 3 into F1.

Button makes his race debut in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne.

"Jenson will be a breath of fresh air," said Watson.

"He has aroused enormous interest because of his youth and the fact that Frank Williams has made a bold decision to give him a chance.

"It is quite amazing. But from my knowledge of the lad, it isn't just hype.

"Jenson will be under terrific pressure this week. He will have to learn how to handle that but I suspect he has the temperament to do so."

Watson also claims Button is becoming the target of other drivers' jealousy.

"It was always on the cards that Jenson would face a lot of jealousy from guys who believe he has been handed his opportunity on a silver platter," said Watson.

"He's the new kid on the block and he's got a better 'bike' than many of the others.

"They will resent him for that and try to intimidate him - not just in a dangerous way but just to try to undermine his confidence and show they are better drivers.

"It's a natural competitive instinct. Everyone out there believes he's good enough to be in the best car - but there aren't enough to go around."