Lewis Hamilton finally achieved one of the most cherished ambitions of his Formula One career, claiming his first Grand Prix victory for Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The seven-time world champion’s emotional triumph ended a 686-day wait for victory and marked a defining moment in his partnership with the Scuderia.
Moreover, the victory was significant on multiple fronts. Not only was it Hamilton’s first win since joining Ferrari, but it was also his seventh career victory at the Spanish circuit.
As a result, this enabled him to surpass Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher’s record of six wins in Barcelona.
After a challenging debut season with the Italian team, the Briton’s return to the top step of the podium served as a powerful reminder of his resilience and enduring greatness.
Speaking after the race, Hamilton described the achievement as “a dream come true,” thanking Ferrari for their unwavering support and paying tribute to the fans who helped him through one of the most difficult periods of his career.
“I remember watching the red car and always wondering what it would be like to be winning in that car. What it would be like standing on that podium and giving the team that moment to sing the national anthem. There’s nothing like it.” Hamilton said.
A Historic Barcelona Victory
Hamilton’s victory carried significance beyond securing his first Ferrari win.
It made him the first driver in Formula One history to win Grand Prix for McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, adding another milestone to a career already regarded as one of the most successful in the sport.
In addition, the result marked Ferrari’s first Hamilton-era Grand Prix victory, extending his record at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he now stands alone as the most successful driver with seven wins.
Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari in 2025 proved testing, as he finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 156 points and without a win throughout the season.
While his teammate Charles Leclerc secured seven podium finishes, Ferrari also struggled collectively, ending the season without a victory and dropping to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Reflecting on the journey, Hamilton admitted the period challenged him mentally, describing it as one of the lowest points of his career before his return to form in Barcelona.
“I came from quite a low place to get back here. It’s about never giving up, never second-guessing yourself and just keeping on trying.” Lewis said.
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Fans Helped Hamilton Through Ferrari Struggles
Other than his team, Hamilton explained that much of his renewed motivation came from the support he received during his difficult start at Ferrari.
He credited fans with helping him stay grounded and focused during criticism and setbacks saying:
“My fans really saved me through such a difficult moment last year. Every day they reminded me of this dream.”
Building on that sentiment, he said he used negativity as fuel for motivation. He added that criticism, especially from other drivers, carried particular weight, given their understanding of how difficult it is to compete at the highest level, while continuing to draw strength from supporters who stood by him.
“To all the fans, this win is for you… You’ve stuck by me… You all told me to remember to fight… This win is just as much yours as mine. Thank you Team LH, thank you Tifosi. Let’s keep it going.”
All Brit Podium. From Left: George Russel (Mercedes) Seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris(McLaren). Photo F1
First All-British Formula One Podium in Nearly Six Decades
Hamilton’s victory was made even more memorable by the drivers who joined him on the podium.
Former Mercedes teammate George Russell finished second, while McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed third, creating Formula One’s first all-British podium since 1968.
The race also featured late drama, with several contenders failing to reach the chequered flag.
Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc retired with a technical issue, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli also failed to finish after an electrical problem.
The only previous all-British podium in Formula One took place at the 1968 United States Grand Prix, where Jackie Stewart secured first place, followed by Graham Hill in second and John Surtees in third.
