Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Formula 1 victory for Ferrari in a dramatic Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a perfectly timed virtual safety car and a late retirement for championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
The seven-time world champion secured his first win since the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix and delivered Ferrari’s first victory since last year’s Mexican Grand Prix. It also marked the Italian team’s first triumph in Spain since 2013.
Hamilton’s success came after a race filled with strategic battles and shifting fortunes. Mercedes looked set to control the event for much of the afternoon, with George Russell converting pole position into an early lead ahead of Hamilton and Antonelli.
The Ferrari driver was the first of the leading trio to commit to a three-stop strategy, pitting on lap 11 after starting on soft tyres. Russell and Antonelli, both running mediums, followed a two-stop approach as Mercedes attempted to protect track position.
As the race developed, Hamilton’s aggressive strategy kept him in contention, but it appeared he would need to chase down the two Mercedes drivers in the closing laps after making his final stop.
The turning point arrived on lap 40 when Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin stopped on track at Turn Nine, triggering a virtual safety car. With Hamilton holding a comfortable lead before his final stop, the reduced-speed conditions allowed him to pit while losing far less time than under normal racing circumstances.
The Ferrari driver rejoined still in front and with significantly fresher tyres than his rivals. From there, he controlled the race to the chequered flag.
An emotional Hamilton celebrated the milestone over team radio, thanking Ferrari, his family and supporters after finally winning in the famous red car.
The result also boosted his championship hopes. Antonelli had been involved in a tense battle with Russell throughout the race and eventually overtook his team-mate for second place with five laps remaining. However, moments later the 19-year-old’s Mercedes suffered an electrical failure, forcing him to retire between Turns Five and Six.
The retirement was Antonelli’s first major setback of the season and reduced Hamilton’s deficit to the championship leader to 41 points. Russell, who had appeared on course for victory before the virtual safety car intervention, inherited second place and also gained ground in the standings.
Lando Norris completed the podium for McLaren, making it the first all-British top three since the 1968 United States Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull, ahead of Oscar Piastri and team-mate Isack Hadjar.
Ferrari’s celebrations were slightly dampened by Charles Leclerc’s retirement from sixth place after suffering a power-steering failure late in the race.
Further down the order, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto received a 10-second post-race penalty for a yellow-flag infringement. The sanction dropped him from eighth to 10th, allowing Racing Bulls duo Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad to move up one position each.
For Hamilton and Ferrari, however, the day belonged to them. After months of anticipation following the Briton’s blockbuster move, the partnership finally delivered its first Formula 1 victory together.