Jenson Button thinks George Russell has lost the Lewis Hamilton ‘bonus’ he had with Kimi Antonelli

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Jenson Button has suggested that George Russell has now lost the Lewis Hamilton ‘bonus’ he had at Mercedes amid his fight with Kimi Antonelli.

After Formula 1 was forced into a month-long break, the 2026 season resumed on Friday as FP1 got underway around the Miami International Autodrome.

Heading into the weekend, Antonelli holds a nine-point advantage over Russell after impressive victories in China and Japan.

Having been labelled the overwhelming favourite to win the 2026 title, Russell is now under pressure to step up his game as he looks to overhaul his teammate and win his maiden world championship.

Jenson Button thinks George Russell no longer has Lewis Hamilton ‘bonus’

Speaking on Sky Sports, 2009 F1 world champion Button suggested that Russell had the bonus of looking up to Hamilton and beating him when the 41-year-old was still at Mercedes.

Now, however, Button stated that Russell will feel he ‘has to’ get the better of Antonelli at every race due to his experience.

Button said: “It’s tough when your younger team-mate is that fast, and consistent as well. When George was alongside Lewis, he could look up to Lewis and beating him would be a bonus.

“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 that’s supposed to be ready to fight for the world championship, and he’s got this 19-year-old kid beating him.

“But we all know George quite well, and he’s confident. So, I wouldn’t worry too much. I think he’s going to take the fight to Kimi.”

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Naomi Schiff says Kimi Antonelli is proving the hype after flying start to 2026

At the age of just 19, Antonelli is F1’s youngest ever championship leader, and he is looking to make it a hat-trick of victories in Miami.

Speaking about the young Italian star, Sky Sports pundit Schiff claimed that Antonelli is as good as he was first hyped.

She said: “He’s turning out to be all that he was hyped up to be. Last season was not easy for him but this winter break, he’s put in the hard work, come back on track and put in so much pressure on George Russell.

“It’s going to be an extremely exciting battle to watch.”