Lewis Hamilton claims glorious first Ferrari F1 victory in Barcelona - latest:

Lewis Hamilton claimed a first grand prix win for Ferrari (PA)Lewis Hamilton claimed a sensational first grand prix victory for Ferrari as he comfortably beat old team Mercedes to top spot in Barcelona. The 41-year-old, who endured such an underwhelming first year in Scuderia red in which he failed to register a podium, started in second but had superior pace throughout the 66-lap race on Sunday. Hamilton was catching race leader George Russell before a well-timed VSC (virtual safety car) meant Hamilton pitted, switched tyres and emerged in front.

From that moment on, victory was assured. It solidifies Hamilton’s position in second in the world championship and now he trails Kimi Antonelli by 41 points after seven races of the season, following the Italian’s late retirement. It is Hamilton’s first win in 686 days and Ferrari’s first win since October 2024.

Follow the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with The Independent. RecommendedF1 standings after Pierre Gasly’s Monaco GP podium reinstated following Alpine appealMonaco Grand Prix result changes – five days after F1 race endedFernando Alonso drops major hint over his F1 future ahead of Spanish Grand PrixVSC ends (Lap 65/66)One more lap for Hamilton - and his lead is comfortable, 21 seconds clear. What a moment this will be for Hamilton and Ferrari...

Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:34VSC (Lap 63/66)Crucially for Hamilton, it’s just a VSC - so that keeps his 25 second lead to Russell. Antonelli’s car is on the edge of the grass, so they’re oging to wheel it away. A nightmare for the championship leader - that’s 18 points gone!

Hamilton should be fine here...Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:32Antonelli's out (Lap 62/66)Oh wow! Antonelli has just stopped out on track - his engine has gone!

He’s OUT of the race. Leclerc also has issues.VSC.

Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:30Antonelli takes second place (Lap 61/66)Russell didn’t make it easy - but Antonelli has second place! Russell dived to the right at turn 1 but Antonelli held his nerve and steamed through! Can Russell fight it?!

Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:28Top-10 with six laps to go (Lap 60/66)1. Hamilton - leader2. Russell +13.

8 3. Antonelli +0.9 4.

Norris +2.6 5. Verstappen +16.

0 6. Leclerc +7.17.

Piastri +9.28. Hadjar +1 lap9.

Gasly +1 lap10. Colapinto + 1 lap Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:26Russell given hurry-up (Lap 56/66)Russell is told to speed up, with Antonelli within a second. McLaren, with Norris behind by 1.

7 seconds, have told the FIA that Antonelli should be getting a five-second penalty for track limits. Nothing yet. Oh, you want to know about Hamilton’s lead, right?

Need not worry: 12.1 seconds at the moment. Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:21Hamilton building his lead (Lap 51/66)This is some gap that Hamilton is building - he’s now 8.

9 seconds out in front, with Russell powerless behind. In fact, Antonelli is within one second of Russell now. Is this the main race now?

Antonelli: “I have so much more pace now.” 4-10: Norris, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Hadjar, Gasly, Colapinto(AP)Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:17Hamilton cleared (Lap 49/66)Relief for Hamilton fans - no further investigation for a potential yellow flag infringement. His lead is now 6.

6 seconds; Mercedes look like they have no answer. Kimi Antonelli is 1.5 seconds behind his teammate in third.

Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:11Hamilton builds his lead (Lap 47/66)The seven-time world champion is storming away out in front, with a lead of over SIX seconds now to George Russell. Is today the day, tifosi? 3-10: Antonelli, Norris, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Hadjar, Gasly, Colapinto Still, some way to go yet...

Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:10Hamilton noted for yellow flag infringement (Lap 45/66)Uh oh. Hamilton has been noted for a yellow flag infringement. Did he not lift off when the yellow flag at turn 9 was waved?

We shall see. Let’s hope it’s all OK...Kieran Jackson14 June 2026 15:07NewerOlderJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments