The pre-season test is underway, and 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button has shared which driver he’ll be backing when the lights go out in Melbourne.
George Russell is already being talked about as an early favourite, even though this year’s cars have yet to put in any meaningful laps. However, there are still plenty of top drivers on the grid who’ll want to challenge him.
The likes of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Russell’s new Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli will certainly fancy their chances.
2026 brings a fresh set of regulations and plenty of unknowns. Teams are expected to roll out upgrades as they try to find their footing in the new era.
In the meantime, Button has said he’ll be pulling for one of his old teammates who hasn’t had much luck recently.
Jenson Button backs Lewis Hamilton for comeback after challenging first season at Ferrari
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Button was asked if Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari could realistically challenge for the title this season, following a disappointing debut year with the team.
The former McLaren driver responded: “It was tough, I have to say, watching Lewis in 2025. You know, we were teammates for three years. I understand how good he is.
“So it was really tough to see him struggle with the team, and you could see in his face how much it was hurting. You kind of forget everything else he’s achieved at that moment in time because you just see the pain.”
Button also pointed out that the new regulations could be just what Hamilton needs to get back on track, echoing similar comments recently made by Nigel Mansell.
He added: “I think with the new regulation changes, we will see Lewis Hamilton back to his best.
“I really do because he’s going to have input in how the car is designed and have confidence in him taking it in a direction that works for him.”
When asked about Ferrari’s prospects under the new rules, Button said: “I’ll tell you after the first race whether it’s possible or not. But with the way the reg changes are, anything is possible.
The second pre-season test continues tomorrow at Silverstone ahead of Round 1 of Formula 1 World Championship which begins later this month at Albert Park Circuit in Australia.
Jenson Button predicts whether Lewis Hamilton could retire at the end of 2026
Button was also asked about the future of his former McLaren teammate and his opinion on whether the 41-year-old will call it quits on his F1 career at the conclusion of the 2026 term.
It was previously reported that Hamilton was ‘hurt’ by his former rivals suggesting that he should retire following the difficult campaign he endured last season, but Button has looked at the more human side of the Briton’s decision.
He answered, “With Lewis, it’s possible. I mean, he’s still young, he’s 40 years old. I class that as young. I’m 46 now, and Fernando’s still racing.
“But yeah, I think it’s important for us to understand as sportsmen that there’s a life outside of sport, and it’s fun, you know. And I think as long as he has something that he wants to achieve in life outside of F1, he should jump.
“If he feels that it isn’t right anymore for him, go and do something else because he has the skill set and obviously the way that he works with a group of people is very positive.
“So I think he could go and do something else and be very productive and very successful in it.”
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