George Russell handed boost in tense Kimi Antonelli fight

2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button has backed George Russell to take the fight to team-mate Kimi Antonelli following recent setbacks.

Antonelli has beaten Russell in the last three races and now holds a 20-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Russell was seen as the early-season favourite for the title due to his greater experience, as well as his performance advantage over the Italian during the 2025 campaign.

However, it is the 19-year-old who has made the stronger start to the season, with Button describing it as a tough pill for Russell to swallow.

“It’s tough when your younger team-mate is that fast and consistent as well,” Button told Sky F1.

“When he was alongside Lewis, he could look up to Lewis and go, ‘if I beat him, that's great’.

“But now, for him, it must feel like he has to beat Kimi every race. He's the elder statesman.

“He’s the guy with experience. He's the one who's supposed to be ready to fight for the world championship.

“He’s got this 19-year-old kid beating him.”

Next up on the F1 schedule is the Canadian Grand Prix, where last year, Russell took his first of two victories during the season.

Russell enters the round looking to eat into the deficit to Antonelli and has been backed by Button to recover from his early-season blip.

“We all know George quite well, and he’s confident,” he said.

“I wouldn't worry too much, I think he's going to take the fight to Kimi.”