The 2026 F1 Barcelona GP will be etched in memory as Lewis Hamilton secured his inaugural victory with Ferrari. His triumph was due to a blend of relentless speed, steady performance, and a touch of fortune, allowing him to achieve his first win with the team.
The pre-race consensus anticipated a contest centered on tire management. Ultimately, it was the 41-year-old veteran who not only executed a strong strategy but also delivered a performance not seen from a Ferrari driver for some time. George Russell finished second, followed by Lando Norris in third place.
As we reflect on the F1 Barcelona GP, let’s evaluate who will be satisfied with their weekend performance and who will leave disappointed.
2026 F1 Barcelona GP
Winner
Lewis Hamilton
Who else could it be? Lewis Hamilton delivered an outstanding performance, maximizing the potential of the Ferrari at his disposal. The seven-time F1 champion has gradually found his rhythm in 2026, emerging as the standout driver both on the grid and within Ferrari.
Loser
Charles Leclerc
Watching Lewis Hamilton celebrate his first win with Ferrari, Charles Leclerc is likely grappling with numerous questions. The most pressing: how did he allow a driver he outperformed last year to overshadow him? Leclerc’s recent struggles persisted at the Barcelona GP, marking another disappointing weekend.
Winner
George Russell
Initially, it seemed George Russell might face another setback as Kimi Antonelli overtook him late in the race. However, Antonelli’s DNF worked in Russell’s favor. Although a better strategy might have secured him victory, Russell leaves Barcelona having gained 18 points on his teammate, a crucial advantage in the championship race.
Loser
Kimi Antonelli
It was simply an unfortunate weekend for Kimi Antonelli. Positioned to secure second place, reliability issues dashed his hopes for a strong finish. While the driver has experienced some luck in previous races, this event served to balance things out significantly.
Winner
Lando Norris
Lando Norris ensured he extracted the maximum points available by bringing the car home safely. His pace in the second half of the race was particularly impressive, and the podium finish is a welcome outcome following recent reliability challenges.
Loser
Red Bull
Red Bull’s performance in the F1 Barcelona GP was underwhelming, with their car ranking as the fourth fastest. The pace paled in comparison to the top three teams. Max Verstappen managed a fourth-place finish, but this was more about maximizing what was possible with the car rather than having a strong package beneath him.
Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli
