Montmeló (Spain) (AFP) – Lewis Hamilton secured a historic first win in Ferrari red at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on Sunday.
Issued on: 15/06/2026 - 12:14
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The Briton's statement victory snapped Kimi Antonelli's five-race winning streak and gave Ferrari their first triumph since October 2024.AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from Sunday's thrilling race:Hamilton's Ferrari gamble coming goodMercedes team principal Toto Wolff warned on Saturday that Hamilton can never be counted out and the 41-year-old's superb display on Sunday proved his old friend and colleague right.Hamilton was able to win his 106th Grand Prix, his first for nearly two years, and crucially his first for Ferrari since his gamble on joining them last season.The joint-record seven-time world champion struggled badly in his first year with the Scuderia, admitting he let negativity get to him as he failed to secure a podium spot for the first time in his career.It seemed like his Ferrari switch was a disappointing denouement to a spectacular career.However, after some hints at a resurgence, with second place in Monaco, everything came together in Barcelona -- the strategy, the pace and Ferrari's hefty upgrade package delivered the car he needed.Hamilton ended Mercedes' dominance this season and snapped Kimi Antonelli's five-race streak, breathing life into the championship battle. The only thing which wasn't perfect for Hamilton was the colour of his car's cockpit."My cockpit happens to be white, which I've not been too happy about," he said. "I wanted (it) to be red like Michael (Schumacher's). I'll get it back red at some stage."Just over 30 years ago, Schumacher also recorded his first Ferrari Grand Prix victory at the same Montmelo circuit."I think this is the first step of our story," said Hamilton.Antonelli must respond to setback
