David Coulthard believes it would be "criminal" if Jenson Button doesn't drive in Formula One next season.

Button is facing an uncertain future after his Honda team folded at the start of December. Button insists he will stay with the Brackely-based outfit if they find a new buyer.

Coulthard, though, says it is important that Button finds a race seat before the start of the new season as he has a lot more to offer to F1.

"Britain is the home of motorsport, let alone F1. So to not have Jenson out there would be criminal," Coulthard is quoted by The Sun.

"He's a quality driver and capable of big things. I can understand why everyone wants to talk about Lewis (Hamilton) and deservedly so after the two years he's had.

"But I'm still a big believer in Jenson as a talent and he's definitely got a lot more to offer.

"Given a similar situation with the team backing and the same car at his disposal, I'm convinced Jenson would win a hell of a lot of Grands Prix."

Toro Rosso are the only team yet to confirm their driver line-up for the 2009 season, and Coulthard believes Button may have to wait until the 2010 season before one of the teams decide to offer him a contract.

"There's a lockdown at the big teams at the moment, so they're not going to kick anyone out to make way for Jenson right now.

"He may have to wait on the subs' bench until the following year."