"YOU HELPED ME ACHIEVE THIS DREAM" - HAMILTON'S EMOTIONAL MESSAGE AFTER FIRST FERRARI WIN

Lewis Hamilton secured his long-awaited first Ferrari victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, an emotional breakthrough after 31 attempts and a two-year win drought. Hamilton's aggressive strategy, starting on soft tyres for a three-stop race, contrasted with most frontrunners, including Russell. This allowed the upgraded SF-26 to unleash its full pace, applying relentless pressure as Mercedes drivers struggled with tyre deg.

Fernando Alonso’s VSC-inducing retirement on Lap 40 provided an extra assist, allowing Hamilton his final stop under VSC. Ferrari's blistering pace in the final stint confirmed the win. An emotional Hamilton thanked his team, calling it a "dream" achieved and one of his "very best" wins. This win signals Ferrari's consistent front-running potential, setting up an exciting championship fight as the season progresses.