Formula 1: Hamilton grabs first Ferrari victory as Antonelli retires at Barcelona GP

Hamilton’s victory for Ferrari at the Barcelona Grand Prix marked a landmark moment as title leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli retired late in the race, snapping Mercedes’ unbeaten run in 2026. The race saw Hamilton outpace Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris on an aggressive three-stop strategy that began on soft tires before Ferrari pivoted to a late-stopping plan. A timely Virtual Safety Car produced a free pit stop, enabling Hamilton to surge clear in the final laps and secure a memorable win. The result also signaled Ferrari’s best performance of the season and extended Hamilton’s comeback narrative after nearly two years without a win.

Championship dynamics shifted as Antonelli’s late retirement narrowed his lead over Hamilton. Russell finished second, with Norris completing the all-British podium—the first since 1968. Max Verstappen led Red Bull in fourth, while Isack Hadjar was sixth and Oscar Piastri fifth, with Alpine’s Gasly seventh and Franco Colapinto eighth amid a potential yellow-flag incident. Bortoleto finished 11th for Audi, ahead of home favorite Carlos Sainz, who finished behind him, and Leclerc retired late; seven drivers failed to finish the race.