Jenson Button stunned by Kimi Antonelli’s actions in private amid ‘mentally gruelling’ title fight

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Jenson Button has shared how impressed he has been with Kimi Antonelli’s approach to the current F1 season, highlighting how “mentally gruelling” the sport can be when a driver is locked into a title fight.

The young Italian enters the summer break as the championship leader for the very first time in his F1 career, leading seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell by 50 and 59 points, respectively.

Antonelli’s form in 2026 has been a far cry from his rookie season struggles, with Lando Norris even applauding the Mercedes ace for his development over the winter break. However, the Briton knows better than anybody what lies in wait for the 19-year-old.

Here’s how the F1 championship looks at the summer break. Predict the top five at the end of the season 👇

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Upon the resumption of racing at the end of August, Antonelli will face 12, potentially 13, more rounds in which he must perform to see out the rest of the campaign on top of the F1 standings.

Jenson Button is already optimistic for the championship leader, highlighting how Antonelli’s actions in private are showing that he is taking the right approach to his ensuing title quest.

• READ MORE: David Coulthard identifies a common trend between Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli in 2026

Jenson Button impressed by what he’s ‘seen’ from Kimi Antonelli in ‘mentally gruelling’ title fight

During a recent interview with Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 2009 F1 world champion was asked for his view on the current title fight between the two Silver Arrows.

Button initially named Russell and Norris as his two championship candidates for the current campaign in pre-season, seemingly snubbing Antonelli due to his inexperience in F1 machinery. Still, the British pundit has been happily proved wrong.

“Russell certainly has experience on his side, which helps him manage the emotions of such a long championship, but he’ll also have to cope with greater pressure, given that he’s been in F1 for longer and has no excuses,” Button began.

“An opportunity like this often comes round only once in a lifetime, and you simply have to make the most of it. Kimi, on the other hand, despite his age, seems to be taking everything that’s happening to him in his stride, and I’ve seen that for myself.”

The 46-year-old was then asked what things in particular he has seen from the Mercedes star that made him issue such a verdict, recalling a moment he shared with the Italian before his rout at the Monaco Grand Prix in June.

• READ MORE: George Russell addresses ‘nonsense’ claims that Mercedes are favouring Kimi Antonelli

“Antonelli has his own unique way of approaching this sport. He’s a very emotional person but at the same time incredibly relaxed.

“In Monaco, we were staying at the same hotel: you’d bump into him in the morning, and he’d greet you with the calmness of someone off to play football with friends, not to take part in the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session.

“In F1, you grow up very quickly, and it’s a mentally gruelling sport, especially when you’re under the pressure of fighting for the title, but I think he’s found his niche to make things work.”