Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Formula One victory for Ferrari with an emotional win at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix after championship leader Kimi Antonelli retired from second place with four laps remaining.
Hamilton secured his first race victory since the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, when he was still driving for Mercedes, following a dramatic and closely fought contest that remained finely balanced until the closing stages.
The decisive moment came during a virtual safety-car (VSC) period. Running a different pit-stop strategy to Mercedes, Hamilton was able to make a stop and rejoin while retaining the lead.
Antonelli had moved into second place with five laps to go after overtaking George Russell following a race-long battle between the two drivers. However, his challenge ended abruptly when an electrical shutdown brought his car to a halt just one lap later.
Russell went on to finish second, while McLaren’s Lando Norris took third place, completing the first all-British podium since the 1968 US Grand Prix.
After crossing the finish line, Hamilton delivered an emotional message to his Ferrari team over the radio.
“Grazie a tutti. You’ve helped me achieve this dream. I am so proud of you. To my family, I love you, and to the fans, thank you for continuing to remind me who I am.”
The victory marks a significant milestone in Hamilton’s Ferrari career and provides a memorable first Grand Prix triumph for the seven-time world champion with the Italian team.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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