Button warns Hamilton of F1 difficulty

McLaren-backed Hamilton is almost certain to make his F1 debut next year - either with McLaren or placed at another team with McLaren's blessing.

But Button, reacting to Hamilton's comments that he was confident of being competitive against any teammate cautioned: "That's the same for all of us. I think he might get a bit of a shock about just how competitive it is in Formula One.

"He says he's never been beaten by a teammate in the junior categories, well that's the same for all of us. We have all achieved what he has in the past. I think Lewis might find it a bit harder than he thinks if he believes he'll be able to take on Fernando (Alonso) at McLaren straight away."

Button, himself a young British F1 sensation when he made his debut with Williams in 2000, said Hamilton had already proven he had the talent to deserve a Formula One drive - as had previous GP2/F3000 champions Nico Rosberg and Vitantonio Liuzzi, this year with Williams and Toro Rosso.

But he said that if Hamilton continued to dominate the GP2 championship and won the series, he would immediately come under pressure to succeed in F1.

"Winning the championship could be the worst thing that happens for him," Button told Autosport, "because then he has to move up or become a test driver. Where he goes is the big question. I can't see McLaren taking a new driver in a season where they are hoping to win a championship."

Button also counselled that Hamilton would inevitably encounter highs and lows in his transition to the top level.

"If he gets into a Renault or a McLaren, he might do well, as the cars will be competitive. But if he goes somewhere less competitive he might suffer a bit, as the car won't be the easiest thing to drive or set up.

"He's a good driver, but I'm sure he will have highs and lows, as Nico has had this year. There are always going to be low points. It's not always going to be plain sailing, because that's the way it goes."