Hamilton's Barcelona Win: Three-Stop Strategy Seals Ferrari Victory

Lewis Hamilton returned to the top step of the podium in the first half of the 2026 season, with his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix standing out as a highlight. The seven-time world champion's aggressive three-stop strategy at Barcelona proved decisive, while most rivals opted for a two-stop race.

Former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson praised Hamilton's execution, calling it the "mark of a champion". He believes only a few drivers could have turned a 2% opportunity into a win, comparing Hamilton's ability to that of Max Verstappen.

Hamilton had planned the strategy long before the race, sensing a chance during practice. He remained calm and quick throughout the weekend, and even though a virtual safety car helped, he likely would have won regardless.

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The victory marked Ferrari's first of the season and sent a clear message to Mercedes that they can be beaten. Hamilton now sits 50 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the standings, but this win proves he is still a contender.

Johansson told the official F1 website, "He had a sniff of a win in practice, he knew that he could maybe make it work, he laid the plan out long before the race, and he just executed perfectly, and that’s really what won it."

With bold strategy and perfect execution, Hamilton showed that age is no barrier. At 41, he continues to challenge younger rivals like Antonelli and Verstappen in a season full of surprises.