Hamilton's Ferrari Triumph
Lewis Hamilton Clinches First Ferrari F1 Victory, Breaking 40-Race Winless Streak
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Lewis Hamilton won his first race for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 14, 2026, ending a 686-day, 40-race winless streak. The Guardian reported that the seven-time world champion took the checkered flag ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris, delivering the first all-British F1 podium in 58 years.
At 41 years old, Hamilton became the oldest Formula One winner since Jack Brabham in 1970, according to The Daily Star. The win — his 106th career victory — also slashed championship leader Kimi Antonelli's points lead from 66 to 41, putting Hamilton back in the title fight.
Ferrari's Three-Stop Gamble Decides the Race
Ferrari took a high-risk three-stop strategy in 30°C heat while Mercedes planned just two stops. The gamble paid off when a Virtual Safety Car was deployed after Fernando Alonso retired. Hamilton pitted for a "free" stop and emerged in the lead, according to The Independent.
Experts at RACER noted the strategy "only worked because of Hamilton's tire management" and the lucky VSC timing. George Russell, who had led most of the race from pole position, was left frustrated. He told reporters he had been "outmaneuvered" by Ferrari's plan. Hamilton's winning margin over Russell was 19.199 seconds.
Antonelli Engine Failure Opens the Door for Hamilton
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli had overtaken his own teammate Russell for second place on Lap 62 of 66. Then his engine failed. The retirement handed Russell back P2 and left Hamilton's lead unchallenged, according to RacingNews365.
Antonelli, who leads the drivers' championship, waited in the pit lane to congratulate Hamilton after the race. Athlon Sports noted Mercedes has now suffered two major engine failures in three races, raising serious reliability concerns for the team.
Kim Kardashian Credits Pour In After Hamilton's Win
Hamilton and Kim Kardashian officially confirmed their relationship in April 2026, according to GPFans. Kardashian was in the Ferrari garage all weekend in Barcelona. Fans quickly credited what they called the "Kim Kardashian Effect" — the idea that her presence stabilizes rather than distracts Hamilton.
The Daily Star and entertainment outlets noted that Hamilton had scored back-to-back podiums — P2 in Monaco and now a win in Spain — with Kardashian by his side. Hamilton's post-race message was emotional: "To my family, I love you, and to the fans: thank you for continuing to remind me who I am," he said, per The Guardian.
Historic Podium, Ferrari Revival, and a Title Race Reborn
Lando Norris finished P3 for McLaren, making it an all-British top three. The last time that happened was the 1968 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, 58 years ago, per Wikipedia. Over 300,000 fans attended the sold-out Barcelona circuit across the weekend.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur told Hamilton over the radio: "Congratulations, we did it," per The Independent. Analysts at GrandPrix247 predict Hamilton's success could generate over $125 million in revenue for Ferrari through brand alignment deals. Charles Leclerc, who had fought back from 10th on the grid after a qualifying crash, retired with a technical issue and missed the celebration entirely.
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