Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 race in Barcelona on Sunday, marking his first Grand Prix victory for Ferrari since joining the team at the beginning of 2025.

Hamilton started the 66-lap Spanish Grand Prix in second place behind George Russell’s Mercedes, but seized the lead through a mix of smart Ferrari strategy and by making the most of a “virtual safety car” that gave him a cheap pit stop.

He was untouchable from there, taking the checkered flag nearly 20 seconds ahead of Russell, who finished second.

“I started out a dream last year which seemed almost impossible, during my time last year. But we never gave up hope,” the British driver said in a post-race interview.

Russell was overtaken by his Mercedes teammate and rival Kimi Antonelli in the late stages of the competition, after having battled for much of the race. But Antonelli’s car subsequently broke down and came to a halt on Lap 62. He didn’t finish.

Antonelli’s misfortune carries significant implications for the championship, as it allows Russell to cut into his lead by 18 points.

Antonelli now leads the championship standings by 41 points over Hamilton and by 50 points over Russell.

Hamilton continues to chase that elusive record-breaking eighth world championship. He shares the current record of seven titles with former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.

Mercedes remains favorite this year and, after the race, Hamilton didn’t play up his prospects of a championship in 2026.

Still, Hamilton has grown more comfortable at the Italian team and recently has been outperforming 28-year-old teammate Charles Leclerc, who has long been seen as the future of Ferrari. Leclerc handily defeated Hamilton in their first year together at Ferrari.

At 41, Hamilton has become the oldest F1 race winner since Jack Brabham in 1970. The current record was set by 53-year-old Luigi Fagioli in 1951.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris of McLaren finished in third place, inheriting a podium after Antonelli’s retirement.