Gutierrez made Formula 1 debut ‘too soon’

Esteban Gutierrez is now a Ferrari reserve driver

Esteban Gutierrez made his Formula 1 debut too soon, according to Ferrari Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

Gutierrez joined the Formula 1 grid in 2013 with Sauber but lost his seat at the end of 2014 after enduring a pointless season as the Swiss team struggled.

Gutierrez was announced as Ferrari's new test and reserve driver in mid-December and Arrivabene believes the Mexican youngster will have another chance to prove his worth in the sport.

"He is a driver that made his debut in F1 too soon," Arrivabene said of 23-year-old Gutierrez.

"Talented drivers must not be thrown on to the scene too early. I am sure he is talented and will have a chance to show it."

Gutierrez is one of a number of test drivers at the Italian squad, with Ferrari having also appointed Jean-Eric Vergne as a back-up to regular drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.