Jenson Button has confidence in George Russell in the fight for the world title. According to the 2009 world champion, Russell should not be influenced by Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Grand Prix victories. Button emphasizes that Russell appears calm and composed and that the Brit must maintain this mentality. “George is a real powerhouse. I am a big fan of him,” said Button.
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Jenson Button is positive about George Russell’s mentality, despite him now being behind his younger teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship. Button emphasizes that Russell looks calm and composed and that he has had a lot of bad luck. “I happened to see George a few days ago. He knows his speed and knows things haven’t gone his way. He hasn’t had luck on his side, but you have to accept bad moments and understand that sometimes you have bad luck. Maybe he won’t have that in the next race and will have good luck then. Who knows,” Button told Sky Sports F1 during the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.
‘Exciting title fight’
Antonelli won two of the first three races of the season, while Russell won the opening race in Australia. After that, the Brit faced setbacks, including technical problems in China and a difficult weekend in Japan, where he struggled with an unstable rear end and an unfortunately timed Safety Car. Nevertheless, Button does not doubt Russell’s qualities. “For me, it’s an exciting title fight to see them battle it out. Kimi is still so young and George is a real powerhouse. I am a big fan of George,” the single world champion stated.
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In Goodwood, Button also looked back at his own title in 2009 with Brawn GP, the team that later became Mercedes. With a wink, he claimed a role in the current success of the German racing team. “Funnily enough, Mercedes indeed looks very strong this year and this (his winning Brawn GP car, ed.) is actually where it all began. The Brackley team originated here. First Honda, then Brawn, and finally Mercedes. So I certainly give myself a bit of credit for that,” Button joked.
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