Lewis Hamilton claims first Ferrari victory at Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
Barcelona, June 14
Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Grand Prix win for Ferrari with a superb victory in the Barcelona-Catalunya GP, ending Mercedes' winning streak in 2026. Hamilton finished ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris, while Kimi Antonelli retired from the race, according to the Formula 1 website.
Despite failing to take the lead on the opening lap after starting on soft tyres, Hamilton capitalised on Ferrari's successful three-stop strategy and a timely Virtual Safety Car. He produced a series of impressive laps to extend his lead over the Mercedes pair and clinch his first win in almost two years, narrowing Antonelli's lead in the standings.
George Russell had to settle for second place, while McLaren's Lando Norris finished third, resulting in Formula 1's first all-British podium since 1968. Russell endured a challenging race, losing a position to his Mercedes teammate in the closing stages before Kimi Antonelli was forced to retire on Lap 62, accoridng to the F1 website.
While Red Bull drivers finished fourth and sixth, with Max Verstappen leading the team's charge ahead of Isack Hadjar. McLaren's Oscar Piastri claimed fifth place.
The Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto impressed with seventh- and eighth-place finishes, although the Argentine driver is set to be investigated after the race for a potential yellow-flag violation. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad secured the ninth and 10th finishes, respectively, helping Racing Bulls secure double points for the second race in a row.
Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto finished 11th ahead of Carlos Sainz in 12th, while Esteban Ocon (13) and Sergio Perez (14) were the final classified finishers. Alex Albon was classified 18th after spending much of the race behind due to an unscheduled stop to fix an issue with his Williams.
Seven drivers failed to finish the race because of various mechanical problems. Among the most notable retirements were championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, both of whom dropped out in the closing stages.
It was also a disappointing outing for Aston Martin, with both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso retiring. Cadillac withdrew Valtteri Bottas as a precaution, while Nico Hulkenberg and Oliver Bearman were also unable to reach the finish.
— ANI
Reader Comments
British podium for first time since 1968? That's some seriously cool trivia. Russell must be kicking himself though — lost P2 to his teammate in final laps? Oops. Also gutted for Antonelli, championship lead is now wide open! 🏎️
Honestly, Ferrari messed up strategy for Leclerc again. He was running so well before retirement — meanwhile Hamilton gets perfect pit calls. That's the difference between championship teams and wannabes. 😤
That Alpine performance though! Gasly 7th and Colapinto 8th is massive for a midfield team. Yellow flag investigation might spoil the party — but what a drive from both. Racing Bulls also scoring double points again? Minardi fans must be celebrating! 🐂
Respectful criticism: Aston Martin has completely lost the plot. Both Stroll and Alonso retire? That's not just bad luck — that's fundamental reliability issues. They were fighting for podiums last year, now can't even finish races. Painful to watch. 😞
Sab kuch badal gaya yaar — Hamilton in Ferrari winning, Verstappen 'only' P4, Mercedes losing streak broken. Feels like alternate universe. But those 7 retirements are crazy high for Barcelona. Circuit de Catalunya eating cars for breakfast today! 😂
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