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Hamilton Claims Maiden Ferrari Victory at Barcelona Grand Prix

BBC Sport •
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Lewis Hamilton secured his first win for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, delivering a statement performance after a difficult debut season with the Italian team. The 41-year-old Briton dominated the race, finishing ahead of his teammate and showing the pace that had eluded him throughout 2024.

Hamilton's victory marked redemption after he described his initial Ferrari campaign as a 'nightmare' and questioned whether he had lost his edge. He revealed turning off social media and undergoing intense winter training to rebuild his confidence and fitness following injuries. Former Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suggested Hamilton's relationship with Kim Kardashian may have contributed to his renewed focus.

Ferrari introduced significant upgrades in Barcelona, addressing their power deficit that had hampered early-season performance. The car's improved aerodynamics suited Hamilton's driving style better than previous iterations. His victory moves him 41 points behind championship leader Antonelli while extending his advantage over Russell to nine points.

With Ferrari granted two engine upgrades this season compared to Mercedes' single allowance, Hamilton's title push gains momentum. However, he insists he hasn't been focused on an eighth championship following the Abu Dhabi 2021 controversy. Wolff warned rivals that Hamilton's competitive train is difficult to stop once it gains speed.