Hamilton claims first Ferrari win at Barcelona GP with three-stop strategy
6 verified4 unconfirmed
Lewis Hamilton won his first Grand Prix for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit on Sunday, ending Mercedes’ perfect start to the 2026 season. The seven-time world champion executed a three-stop strategy, capitalising on a mid-race Virtual Safety Car triggered by Fernando Alonso’s retirement, to take his 106th career Formula 1 victory. George Russell finished second for Mercedes, and Lando Norris took third for McLaren, giving the sport its first all-British podium since 1968. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli retired with four laps remaining due to a car problem while running in second, reducing his points advantage over Hamilton to 41. Hamilton, who moved from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of 2026, described the win as a dream fulfilled. The result marked a turning point after Mercedes had won all six prior Grands Prix this season.
What’s verified
Lewis Hamilton won the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix for Ferrari, his first victory for the team and his 106th career F1 win.
George Russell finished second and Lando Norris third, giving Formula 1 its first all-British podium since 1968.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli retired with four laps remaining due to a car issue while running in second place.
Hamilton’s victory cut Antonelli’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 41 points.
Hamilton used a three-stop strategy, with a key pit stop under a Virtual Safety Car after Fernando Alonso stopped on track.
Hamilton started on soft compound tyres, while Russell started on mediums.
Not yet confirmed
One source reports that Hamilton was investigated for a potential yellow flag infringement during the race but was cleared.
One source states that Antonelli was shown a black-and-white flag for exceeding track limits and had front-wing damage before his retirement.
One source notes that Hamilton became the seventh oldest race-winner in F1 history at age 41.
Details on the specific time gaps between Hamilton and Russell at various laps are provided by only one source.
Key figures
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari driver, seven-time world champion), George Russell (Mercedes driver), Lando Norris (McLaren driver), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes driver, championship leader), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari driver), Max Verstappen (Red Bull driver), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin driver), Fred Vasseur (Ferrari team principal)
Sources: Sky Sports, sbnation.com
