Bright Future for Button, Says Schumacher

World Champion Michael Schumacher has praised new Benetton driver Jenson Button, saying the young Brit has what it takes to become a champion in the future.

Button made his Formula One debut last season with the Williams team, and he became the youngest ever point scorer at the Brazilian Grand Prix, impressing many people who believed he was not ready to compete at the highest level.

After finishing the season in eighth place with twelve points, Button has been hinted as a future champion, something Schumacher agrees with.

"People were very critical when they heard Jenson Button was arriving in F1 without experience of F3000," he said. "But I was always under the impression that if someone is able to go in the car and be fast immediately and doesn't crash, then he has the talent and the right to be in F1.

"He proved to be fast immediately, he didn't crash very often. He had a few 'offs' naturally, but he did very few mistakes and he is simply one of the future stars.

"But then we have had many of them and it is another step to really finally do it," Schumacher added.

"I think he has the talent and the ability to do it. Give him time and then we will see. We can't really say what is going to be the outcome. But this year was the right base to build up from."