Jenson Button outlines why Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are the ‘standout’ F1 driver pairing

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Mercedes have a superb driver pairing in Formula 1 with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and multiple race winner George Russell.

The German team have had a mixed season this year. They are fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, 112 points behind third-placed Ferrari.

Mercedes have improved compared to 2023 and enjoyed three victories before the summer break. This includes taking a one-two finish at the chequered flag at the Belgian Grand Prix before Russell was disqualified.

Both drivers are very impressive and have progressed the team since 2022 when they struggled to adapt to the ground effect regulations.

Jenson Button has experienced firsthand how difficult it is to battle Hamilton as a teammate. The 2009 F1 world champion is also a big fan of Russell, so suggested on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast that Mercedes have the most formidable partnership on the grid.

Jenson Button feels the Mercedes driver line-up is ‘really strong’

Mercedes have a very experienced line-up and have been very evenly matched this year, with just 19 points between them in the world championship.

Aside from a difficult day in Australia, when neither Mercedes driver saw the chequered flag, the German team have scored points in every race this year.

They had a purple patch towards the end of the first part of the season, taking a podium finish at six events in a row, including their three race wins.

Button explained that he feels Mercedes have two very strong drivers and Russell in particular has been very impressive.

He said: “I have to say that Mercedes’ [driver line-up] is really strong. Having Lewis [and] George, who’s been performing extremely well, that is a real strong driver pair.

“But people will go, ‘What about this driver pair? What about this driver pair?’ Yeah, we’re all going to have different opinions, and those are the two that stand out because I know how good Lewis is.

“I’ve experienced it many times over and over again. For George to be that competitive up against someone like Lewis, it’s extremely impressive.”

Mercedes will have a different but still very talented driver pairing when Adrea Kimi Antonelli joins

Mercedes will be expecting Russell to lead the team in 2025 as Hamilton leaves to join Ferrari, partnering Monegasque Charles Leclerc.

Alongside Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be trusted with the other Mercedes car after a meteoric rise through the junior categories.

The Italian is highly rated, and he has driven well at some races in Formula 2 while making some critical mistakes earlier in the year.

Antonelli feels the Mercedes driver has work to do to be fully prepared for his F1 debut at the 2025 Australia Grand Prix in Melbourne.