The seven-time world champion delivered a commanding performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, ending Mercedes’ unbeaten run in the 2026 Formula 1 season and securing his first race win in nearly two years. Hamilton crossed the line 19.5 seconds ahead of George Russell, while Lando Norris completed an all-British podium in third.
The victory also reduced Kimi Antonelli’s championship advantage after the Mercedes driver suffered a late retirement in a dramatic twist to the race.
Ferrari’s Strategy Gamble Pays Off
Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Russell but was unable to challenge the Mercedes driver into Turn 1 despite starting on soft tyres.
While Russell controlled the opening stages, Ferrari opted for an aggressive three-stop strategy that eventually turned the race in Hamilton’s favour.
Key moments included:
- Starting on soft tyres while most frontrunners chose mediums
- An early switch to hard tyres
- A rapid middle stint on fresh mediums
- A perfectly timed final stop under a Virtual Safety Car
The VSC, triggered by Fernando Alonso’s retirement, allowed Hamilton to complete his final pit stop without sacrificing track position. From there, the Ferrari driver steadily pulled away from Russell to secure victory.
Antonelli’s Race Ends in Heartbreak
The Italian spent much of the race pressuring Russell and eventually overtook his team-mate with just a few laps remaining. However, celebrations were short-lived.
Antonelli suffered a technical issue and pulled off the circuit with only four laps remaining, recording his first major setback of the season.
His retirement came as a significant boost for Hamilton in the title race.
First All-British Podium Since 1968
Behind Hamilton and Russell, Norris secured third place for McLaren.
Top six finishers:
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
Pierre Gasly finished seventh for Alpine, while Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto completed the top ten after post-race penalties were applied.
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Championship Battle Tightens
The result could prove pivotal as the season progresses.
Hamilton’s victory marks Ferrari’s biggest result of the year so far, while Antonelli’s retirement has opened the door for his rivals to close the gap in the standings. With Mercedes’ winning streak now over and Ferrari finally converting pace into victory, the fight for the 2026 Formula 1 title suddenly looks far more competitive than it did just one week ago.
