On Sunday, June 14, a real storm broke out on the legendary Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. The seventh round of the Formula 1 World Championship delivered a sensation that few could have predicted before the start. Victory was claimed by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who for the first time in his career climbed to the top step of the podium as part of the Italian 'Scuderia'.
The Return of a Legend and the End of the Drought
This triumph became a historic moment not only for the British driver himself but for the entire team. For Hamilton, this is his first victory since July 2024, when he was still racing for 'Mercedes'. However, the significance of the race goes far beyond the driver's personal achievements. This success put an end to a prolonged series of failures for 'Ferrari' — the Italian team had not won a main race for a full 595 days, dating back to the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix.
The Briton started from second position, ceding the spot on the starting grid to his former teammate George Russell from 'Mercedes'. The race turned out to be tense: Lewis confidently held his ground among the leaders, but the decisive moment arrived on lap 42. It was then that Hamilton successfully overtook Russell and took the lead. After the final restart, he demonstrated his mastery, confidently holding the first position until the very finish.
Technical Thriller and Mass Retirements
The finale of the race turned into a real technical thriller that made fans hold their breath. On lap 62, when the fight for the lead was at its peak, the car of the current leader in the standings, Andrea Kimi Antonelli ('Mercedes'), suddenly stopped in the middle of the track. The driver was in second place, but technical issues forced him to stop fighting.
The situation worsened just a few laps later. The machinery let down the 'Ferrari' star Charles Leclerc as well — the power steering failed, and he also had to retire from the race. In the end, eight drivers failed to reach the finish line. Among those who did not make it to the finish due to accidents and breakdowns were Lance Stroll ('Aston Martin'), Valtteri Bottas ('Cadillac'), Nico Hülkenberg ('Audi'), and veteran Fernando Alonso ('Aston Martin').
Stage Results and Championship Standings
George Russell crossed the finish line in second place, losing to Hamilton, while Lando Norris from 'McLaren' rounded out the podium.
Despite the unfortunate retirement five laps before the finish, Antonelli maintains a solid lead in the drivers' standings. Hamilton, thanks to his victory, has firmly secured second place. In the constructors' championship, 'Mercedes' continues to lead confidently, ahead of the revamped 'Ferrari' by 72 points.