Formula One news

Vettel defends Alguersuari position

This weekend fans at the Hungarian Grand Prix will witness the debut of Formula One's youngest ever driver. At Scuderia Toro Rosso, Jaime Alguersuari will enjoy his first F1 appearance at the age of 19. According to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, the Spaniard should not be criticised for his age.

Earlier on in the Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa told the press that he believes Alguersuari is too young to race in Formula One and should gain more experience first. This was backed up by Red Bull driver Mark Webber, who feels that the sport is becoming a 'learning school' for young drivers; his team-mate, however, does not agree. "I heard Mark was not too happy about the fact that Alguersuari is racing this weekend but I think that, if there is anything to criticise this weekend, it is not him but the rules in F1," said Vettel.

The German refers to the fact that the rookie has not yet driven an F1 car on a circuit (only two straight line, aerodynamic runs in Italy) due to the ban on in-season testing. "He now enters F1 without having had a single day of testing so it will be extremely difficult for any young driver to enter F1," Sebastian continued. "I wish him all the best and I think he will have enough time to get used to the sport but, for sure, this is not the easiest way to join F1."

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