BARCELONA, Spain – Lewis Hamilton returned to the top step of the Formula 1 podium for the first time as a Ferrari driver, claiming victory in the Spanish Grand Prix and ending a wait that had stretched for almost two years since his last win with Mercedes.

The triumph was Hamilton’s 106th career victory and his first for the Scuderia, achieved in his 31st race in Ferrari colours.

A long-awaited breakthrough, the win came after Hamilton capitalised on a Virtual Safety Car period and Mercedes’ misfortune to put Ferrari back on the top step of the podium for the first time in two seasons.

“I have to thank the team and Frederic Vasseur for believing in me and bringing me here,” said the seven-time world champion.

“I started this journey with a dream and, despite the challenges, we never stopped believing. Every win is special, but this one means something different. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to win with Ferrari.”

Despite the result, Hamilton remains cautious in the championship battle, where he now sits 41 points behind series leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The young Italian Mercedes driver had been producing another impressive performance and had just moved into second place after overtaking teammate George Russell when a technical issue forced him to retire on lap 61.

“I feel devastated,” Antonelli said.

“I was very quick and we had excellent pace. Unfortunately reliability continues to be our weak point and today we lost some very important points.”

Behind Hamilton, George Russell finished second and Lando Norris third, completing an all-British podium. It was the 27th podium finish of Russell’s career.

“It was a tough race, but I’m happy with the result,” the Mercedes driver said.

“Ferrari was extremely competitive and I think they will continue to be in the coming races.”

Norris inherited third place following Antonelli’s retirement.

“I gave everything I had,” said the reigning world champion.

“We were fortunate in certain situations, but we’re still missing something if we want to consistently fight for victories.”

It was another difficult weekend for Charles Leclerc, who recorded his second consecutive retirement following his disappointment in Monaco.

“I wasn’t good enough,” admitted the Monegasque driver.

“Lewis was faster all weekend. I’m happy for him and for the team, but personally I’m disappointed. Now I need to reset and come back stronger.”

The victory boosts Ferrari’s title ambitions and intensifies the battle with Mercedes at the top of the championship standings. However, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur urged caution.

“It’s an important day for Lewis and for the whole team,” said the Frenchman.

“We’re working hard, but two weeks ago we were struggling and today we’re certainly not world champions. We need to keep approaching things the same way.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was far less upbeat following Antonelli’s retirement.

“It’s unacceptable to lose a car in that way,” the Austrian said.

“We’ve thrown away valuable points and we need to understand how to stop this from happening again.”

Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull, while Oscar Piastri crossed the line in fifth ahead of Isack Hadjar. Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top ten.

The Formula 1 season resumes on June 28 with the Austrian Grand Prix.