Lewis Hamilton celebrated winning the Barcelona Grand Prix on Sunday, but the F1 legend won't get the opportunity to defend his win next season. The 41-year-old crossed the line nearly 20 seconds clear of Mercedes' George Russell. It represents Hamilton's first triumph in almost two years following his failure to reach the podium throughout his maiden campaign with Ferrari.
Alternating Calendar
In February, F1 confirmed that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya would stage races in 2028, 2030 and 2032. As part of the multi-year arrangement, it was also announced that the circuit's place on the calendar would alternate with the Belgian GP at Spa in 2027, 2029 and 2031. It means F1 won't return to the Catalonian venue until 2028, preventing Hamilton from pursuing consecutive victories next season.
Hamilton's Future
Hamilton is presently contracted until 2027 but rejected speculation about retirement last month. "I'm still in contract so everything's 100 per cent clear to me. I'm still focused, I'm still motivated, I still love what I do with all my heart," Hamilton said ahead of the Canadian GP in May. "I'm going to be here for quite some time so get used to it."
Hamilton savoured the feeling of his first win with the iconic Italian outfit in Barcelona. He will be looking to double his victory count with Ferrari at the Austrian GP later this month. Reflecting on the win, Hamilton said: "First, I have to start and say a huge 'grazie' to everyone here, everyone back at the factory, and to Fred [Vasseur] for believing in me and bringing me to this team. I started out a dream last year which seemed almost impossible during my time last year. I nearly gave up hope, but the team continued to lift me up."
Hamilton added: "They're all special in their own way, but this one is something else. I watched Ferrari have all their success when I was younger, watched it on the TV, and then when I've been racing here I've watched the screens and wondered what it would be like to win in that car. And now it's come. Everyone worked so hard for it and truly deserves it, I'm forever grateful to them. This is just the first, I hope of many. Forza Ferrari!"
