Button sees one fix for Antonelli to become ‘unstoppable’

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli has impressed Jenson Button with three consecutive wins in 2026, yet the 2009 champion identifies a single flaw holding the young Italian back: his launch off the line. From six standing starts this season, Antonelli has lost positions every time—often dropping from strong grid slots into the midfield. Even in Miami, where he eventually won, his start left him vulnerable before a recovery drive showcased elite pace.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's race craft, tyre management, and late-race speed already place him among the most dangerous drivers on track. But his opening laps remain a recurring vulnerability opponents can exploit. If he fixes his starts, Button believes he could become an unstoppable force—potentially reshaping the championship fight.

The details:

• Button told Sky Sports News that Antonelli is “really impressive” and that his first two wins involved “a little bit of luck,” but he capitalised and showed genuine pace.
• Miami was particularly striking: after an early setback against Lando Norris, Antonelli came through with “extremely impressive” late-race speed.
• The Briton was equally direct about the weakness: “He is struggling at the start, and he is losing places every race. When he gets that right, he seems like he'll be unstoppable.”
• Mercedes acknowledged an incorrect setup for the Sprint start in Miami, later adjusted for the Grand Prix.

What's next:

Button's assessment is both a warning and a vote of confidence. If Antonelli can clean up his starts, the rest of the grid may soon discover a driver on the verge of untouchable form. The championship battle could shift decisively.