Hamilton back on top with historic win in Barcelona
- Damian Hall
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
It had been 686 days since Sir Lewis Hamilton last stood on the top step of a Formula One podium.
In Barcelona, the seven-time world champion finally returned to victory lane, claiming his first win for Ferrari and finishing nearly 20 seconds clear of former Mercedes teammate George Russell, while McLaren's Lando Norris completed the first all-British podium in Formula One since 1968.
The victory was Hamilton's 106th Grand Prix win, but even after all his success, this one carried a different meaning.
"First I have to start and say a huge grazie to everyone here," Hamilton said after the race.
"My team here at Ferrari, everyone back at the factory. Fred for believing in me and bringing me to this team.
"I started out a dream which seemed almost impossible during my time last year but we never gave up hope and the team continued to lift me up. We made so many changes and we made so many improvements."
After crossing the line, Hamilton thanked the team over the radio before dedicating the moment to his family and supporters.
"Thank you so much. You've helped me achieve this dream and I can't thank you enough," he said.
"To my family, I love you. To my fans, thank you for continuing to remind me who I am. I couldn't have done this without you."
Starting alongside pole-sitter Russell, Hamilton lined up on the soft tyre while both Mercedes drivers opted for mediums. The tyre choice hinted at Ferrari's aggressive intentions and although Russell maintained the lead into Turn One, Hamilton settled comfortably into second place and immediately began executing the team's strategy.
Russell controlled the opening phase, gradually building a lead of more than three seconds while Hamilton focused on keeping championship leader Kimi Antonelli behind. Ferrari then rolled the dice on lap 12, bringing Hamilton in early for hard tyres and effectively committing him to a three-stop race.
Mercedes reacted immediately, covering the move with Russell one lap later, but the strategic battle had only just begun.
As the race settled into its rhythm, Hamilton remained within striking distance while carefully managing his tyres. Antonelli began applying pressure from behind, but Ferrari's plan was unfolding exactly as intended.
The decisive moment came during Hamilton's second stop. Rejoining on fresher tyres, the Briton immediately began carving through the field, relentlessly reeling in the leaders.
"You are catching really well. Keep pushing," came the message over team radio.
Hamilton responded by slashing the gap to the front. While Russell and Antonelli battled each other for the lead, the Ferrari driver was charging forward at a remarkable pace.
When the leading Mercedes pair eventually made their second stops, Hamilton inherited the lead and built a significant advantage before making his final visit to the pits during a Virtual Safety Car period triggered by Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso's retirement.
The timing proved perfect.
Back on track, Hamilton unleashed the full pace of the Ferrari. With every lap, the gap to Russell grew larger.
There was a brief moment of concern when Hamilton was noted for a potential yellow-flag infringement, but stewards quickly determined that no further investigation was necessary.
By lap 55, Hamilton was more than 11 seconds ahead and still pulling away.
Russell could only watch.
"Huge congrats to Lewis," Russell said afterwards.
"I know how hard he works. We spent a lot of years together at Mercedes so I'm really pleased to see him back to the Lewis I remember when I was growing up.
"Yesterday was a real surprise for the team and today the pace was insane from Lewis. They are coming, I think."
The race looked set for a Mercedes one-two behind Hamilton until late drama struck.
Antonelli, who had brilliantly passed Russell for second place on lap 61, suddenly slowed with an engine failure just one lap later. The retirement denied the young Italian what appeared certain to be another podium finish.
Further heartbreak followed for Ferrari when Charles Leclerc, who had charged from tenth on the grid and spent a short period leading the race, suffered a steering problem and retired just laps from the finish.
The setbacks only highlighted Hamilton's flawless afternoon.
Norris inherited third place following Antonelli's retirement and paid tribute to Hamilton after the race.
"First of all, I want to congratulate Lewis," Norris said.
"Nice to see him back on top, so very happy for you, mate.
"It was a tough race. I did my best to keep up with these guys, but too quick."
Behind the all-British podium, Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull Racing ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri in fifth. Isack Hadjar secured sixth place, while Alpine enjoyed a double points finish with Pierre Gasly seventh and Franco Colapinto eighth. Racing Bulls rounded out the points-paying positions, with Liam Lawson ninth and rookie Arvid Lindblad claiming the final point in tenth.
As the chequered flag fell, Hamilton crossed the line nearly 20 seconds clear of Russell to complete one of the most significant victories of his career.
For years he had watched Ferrari's triumphs from afar. For months he had faced questions about whether the dream move to Maranello would ever deliver another victory.
On Sunday, in front of a sea of red-clad fans, he answered them all.
"They are all special in their own way but this is something else," Hamilton said.
"I watched Ferrari have all that success when I was younger, watching it on TV. As I've been racing here, I'd always watched the screens and wondered what it would be like to win in that car - and it's come."
After 686 days away from the top step, the wait was finally over.
And for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, history had arrived in Barcelona.
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