British motorsport enjoyed a memorable afternoon in Spain as Lewis Hamilton claimed an emotional first victory for Ferrari, leading home an all-British podium at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion delivered a masterclass in strategy and race management to secure his 106th Formula One victory, ending Ferrari’s wait for a Grand Prix win and marking a major milestone in one of the sport’s most celebrated careers.
Hamilton crossed the line ahead of fellow Briton George Russell, with McLaren’s Lando Norris completing the podium in third place. It was the first all-British Formula One podium since the 1968 United States Grand Prix, when Sir Jackie Stewart finished ahead of Graham Hill and John Surtees.
The victory was Hamilton’s first since the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix and his first since making the much-publicised move from Mercedes to Ferrari. The result also reignites his championship challenge, reducing the gap to the top of the standings to 41 points.
An emotional Hamilton paid tribute to his team and supporters after the race.
“Grazie a tutti. You’ve helped me achieve this dream. I am so proud of you,” he said over team radio. “To my family, I love you, and to the fans, thank you for continuing to remind me who I am.”
The race was finely balanced throughout, with Mercedes appearing poised to take victory for much of the afternoon. Russell converted pole position into an early lead and spent much of the race ahead of both Hamilton and team-mate Kimi Antonelli.
However, Hamilton’s alternative three-stop strategy proved decisive when a Virtual Safety Car period transformed the race. The interruption, triggered by the retirement of Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, allowed Hamilton to make his final pit stop while losing significantly less time than would have been possible under normal racing conditions.
The Ferrari driver emerged still in the lead and, with fresher tyres than his rivals, was able to pull clear during the closing stages.
Russell initially looked set for a strong second-place finish but spent much of the race defending against Antonelli, who had shown impressive pace throughout. The young Italian eventually overtook his team-mate with just five laps remaining, only for his Mercedes to suffer an electrical failure moments later.
Antonelli’s retirement promoted Russell back into second place and moved Norris onto the podium, completing a remarkable day for British drivers.
Speaking after the race, Hamilton reflected on the significance of the victory.
“Every win is special in its own way, but this one is something else,” he said. “When I was younger, I watched Ferrari’s success on television and wondered what it would feel like to win in that car. Now it has happened.
“Everyone has worked hard for this and everyone deserves it. This is just the first of, I hope, many.”
Behind the leading trio, reigning champion Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and team-mate Isack Hadjar.
The result provided a reminder of Britain’s enduring strength in Formula One. From the pioneering achievements of Sir Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill to modern champions such as Hamilton, British drivers continue to play a leading role at the pinnacle of world motorsport.
On a day that combined history, drama and sporting excellence, it was fitting that three British drivers stood on the podium together, celebrating another proud chapter in the nation’s remarkable Formula One story.
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Top 10
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
