Button backs Russell to bounce back in tense Antonelli fight

George Russell has received a vote of confidence from 2009 world champion Jenson Button, who believes the Mercedes driver can reverse his recent losing streak against teammate Kimi Antonelli. The 19-year-old Italian has beaten Russell in the last three races and now holds a 20-point lead in the Drivers' Championship.

Why it matters:

Russell entered the season as the early favorite for the title, given his experience and strong 2025 campaign alongside Lewis Hamilton. But Antonelli's rapid adaptation has put the hierarchy at Mercedes under scrutiny. For Russell, the pressure to assert himself as the team leader is mounting — and a response in Canada is critical to keep his championship hopes alive.

The details:

• Antonelli has outqualified and outraced Russell in the past three rounds, building a gap that many expected to shrink as the season progressed.
• Speaking to Sky F1, Button described the situation as tough for Russell: "It’s tough when your younger teammate is that fast and consistent. For him, it must feel like he has to beat Kimi every race. He's the elder statesman — the one supposed to be ready to fight for the world championship. He’s got this 19-year-old kid beating him."
• Button was quick to add that Russell’s character should not be underestimated: "We all know George quite well, and he’s confident. I wouldn't worry too much — I think he's going to take the fight to Kimi."

What's next:

The next stop on the calendar is the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, where Russell claimed his first of two wins in 2025. The circuit has historically suited Mercedes, and a strong result would not only close the points gap but also restore momentum for the British driver. With a long season ahead, the intra-team battle at Mercedes remains one of the most compelling storylines in F1.