Hamilton seals maiden Ferrari win in Barcelona as Antonelli retires to hand him 25 points
Lewis Hamilton claimed his first victory for Ferrari at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, the seventh round of the season, after championship leader Kimi Antonelli retired late to hand Hamilton a crucial 25-point swing.
Lewis Hamilton took his maiden win for Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, capitalising on a late retirement by championship leader Kimi Antonelli to close the gap in the 2026 Formula 1 standings.
Antonelli had been in contention at the front of the field when his race ended prematurely, handing Hamilton an uncontested victory and a 25-point swing in the drivers’ championship. The result marks a landmark moment for the seven-time world champion, who joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season.
George Russell had qualified on pole position at Barcelona, with reports indicating he fended off a resurgent Hamilton through the weekend before the race order shifted in the closing stages. Hamilton’s emotional post-race message — “You helped me achieve this dream” — underlined the significance of the result for both driver and team.
The Barcelona Grand Prix was the seventh round of the 2026 season, and the outcome reshapes the championship picture heading into the next race. Antonelli, who had held the lead in the drivers’ standings coming into Spain, now sees his advantage over Hamilton reduced following the retirement.
Full race results, fastest lap times, and updated championship standings from the 2026 Barcelona Grand Prix are available for review.
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