Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory as a Ferrari driver at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix two weeks ago. The seven-time world champion crossed the finish line ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris, marking the first all-British podium in 58 years.
Hamilton benefited from a virtual safety car period that allowed him to pit and retain the lead. He then built a comfortable gap and was never seriously challenged, claiming a historic win for the Scuderia.
Hamilton Skips Celebration, Engages with Fans Online
Despite the significance of the victory, Hamilton did not celebrate with a party or night out in Barcelona. Instead, he went straight home and spent hours on social media, liking and reposting videos of fans reacting to his win. Some fans jumped for joy, others were reduced to tears, and one video showed a bride being informed of the race result during her wedding reception.
Reflecting on his post-race activities, the 41-year-old said: "People wonder what you do when you win a race, and take a first Grand Prix win for Ferrari. I got back home spending hours on the couch just reposting these beautiful stories and videos that I saw, and different messages from people. It was really, really overwhelming to experience it."
Hamilton Emerges as Title Contender
Hamilton has finished on the podium in each of his last three races and will aim to extend that streak at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. He will have a different teammate in FP1 at the Red Bull Ring, as Charles Leclerc is replaced by development driver Dino Beganovic.
Recent results have made Hamilton a surprise title contender, and he has not ruled out securing an eighth world championship. "I think the opportunity is there, but it's one thing being there and it's another thing galvanising the troops and developing," he said earlier this week. "You can hit plateaus in terms of development, so all we can do is take it one day at a time."
Hamilton added: "Everyone brings something to the team and everyone back at the factory is working so hard. They see what's possible, and when you see what's possible, it's a north star, you know that's the direction we need to go. Whether the team has had that for a while, I'm not sure, but last year we didn't really have a north star, and this year we have it."
New Engine for Austrian Grand Prix
Hamilton confirmed that Ferrari will introduce a new engine in Austria. "It's a step, not the whole gap, but it's a step. It's one foot forwards, which I'm really proud and thankful for," he said.
