Historic is the only word strong enough to describe the current moment at Ferrari. After encouraging results in Monaco and Canada, the Scuderia arrived in Spain determined to continue its upward trajectory, openly aiming to fight for victory and potentially reshape its championship campaign. It was a realistic target, given the clear step forward made by the SF-26 following its latest technical updates.
Much of this progress has been amplified by the excellent form of Lewis Hamilton, who has now established himself as the undisputed leader of the team. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion appears fully at ease with a car that has been tailored around his driving style, featuring significant aerodynamic upgrades including a revised front wing, updated floor design, and modified bargeboards. These improvements have unlocked additional performance, bringing the Ferrari SF-26 closer to its rivals and making it a genuine contender at the front of the field.
Lewis Hamilton delivers a historic Ferrari breakthrough
The on-track evidence confirmed that Ferrari’s development package has worked as intended, allowing Lewis Hamilton to achieve a landmark victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. This result marked his first win in Ferrari colours and came at the same circuit where, back in 1996, Michael Schumacher secured his first victory in red.
The win was built on a combination of driver skill, race execution, and favourable circumstances. After a strong performance in Q3, Lewis Hamilton made an excellent start, immediately applying pressure to the Mercedes cars and opting for a more aggressive strategy by choosing a three-stop approach while his rivals followed different plans. This strategic variation positioned him as a genuine contender for victory throughout the race.
In the closing stages, however, a Virtual Safety Car period triggered by Fernando Alonso’s retirement played a decisive role. Ferrari seized the opportunity to bring Lewis Hamilton in for a “free” pit stop, allowing him to rejoin the race ahead of the Brackley-based Mercedes cars. From that moment, he was able to manage the gap comfortably until the chequered flag.
This historic success was analysed by journalist Leo Turrini in his “Profondo Rosso” blog, where he praised both the talent and the sporting rebirth of the seven-time world champion, highlighting the renewed strength of Ferrari and the emotional impact of Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in red.
Leo Turrini on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari revival
Leo Turrini wrote: “Lewis Hamilton has achieved his first victory wearing red. On the same track that celebrated the first triumph of the German champion in Ferrari colours in 1996. […] He had not won a race since 2024. The Lady in Red had been winless for 34 Grands Prix. […] What Lewis Hamilton has achieved brings us back to the uniqueness of true champions. […] Throughout 2025, it had become normal to doubt the credibility of the ‘Baronet’. He seemed retired. He was preparing a comeback that has very few precedents.”
Leo Turrini continued: “Lewis Hamilton has managed to earn the trust of the Scuderia. He did not give up; instead, he took on the responsibility of an identity crisis that required strong leadership. […] It remains to be seen how far the Ferrari version of Lewis Hamilton can push this astonishing resurrection. He is second in the standings and has a car that appears to have resolved its previous issues. […] Who knows? […] The Ferrari magic is irresistible. Seeing Lewis Hamilton […] crying on the podium has no price. And it is thanks to the Drake.”
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