Hamilton secures maiden Ferrari triumph at Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

(AP) — Lewis Hamilton delivered his first victory for Ferrari on Sunday, two years after moving to the team, as Formula 1 frontrunner Kimi Antonelli failed to finish at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

The result lifted Hamilton's all-time tally to 106 wins. It was his first success since the Belgian Grand Prix in July 2024, when he was still driving for Mercedes.

Ferrari's tyre choices and sharper pit strategy gave the seven-time champion the edge over George Russell, who had started from pole and went on to take second place.

Antonelli had got by his Mercedes teammate Russell before his car stopped on the circuit with four laps left. He entered the race after winning five consecutive grands prix.

Hamilton's win ended Mercedes' six-race hold on first place this season.

“Thank you so much to help me achieve this dream,” Hamilton said over team radio. “Thank you for everyone pushing so hard at home, thanks to my family, and to my fans who continue to remind me who I am. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

After the finish, Hamilton climbed onto his Ferrari, raised his fist, then ran across to jump into the arms of celebrating Ferrari engineers and pit crew.