Ferrari chairman Elkann salutes Hamilton’s Barcelona breakthrough

Six months ago, John Elkann publicly challenged Ferrari's star drivers after one of the team's darkest weekends of the modern era. But after Lewis Hamilton’s maiden win with the Italian outfit in Barcelona, the Ferrari chairman was celebrating one of its brightest.

The seven-time world champion’s long-awaited first victory in Ferrari colours sparked an outpouring of emotion across the Scuderia, and Elkann was among the first to acknowledge the significance of the moment.

After a commanding drive that combined strategic precision, relentless pace and flawless execution, Hamilton finally delivered the breakthrough result that both he and Ferrari had been chasing since joining forces.

For the seven-time world champion, it was a triumph that erased months of frustration. For Ferrari, it was validation that one of the most ambitious signings in Formula 1 history is beginning to pay off.

Credit where credit is due

Hamilton started from the front row and executed Ferrari's bold three-stop strategy to perfection around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Although a late Virtual Safety Car helped strengthen Ferrari's position, Hamilton had already established himself as the fastest driver in the race, relentlessly reeling in the Mercedes cars before pulling clear in the closing stages.

By the chequered flag, he had built a commanding advantage over George Russell, underlining the authority of the performance.

The result prompted an emotional response from Elkann, who praised both Hamilton and the wider Ferrari operation.

"Well done Lewis, on your first great victory with Ferrari: an emotional moment and a very important result, which belongs to the entire team and to all our fans," Elkann said.

The Ferrari chairman also used the occasion to recognize the collective effort behind the victory, highlighting the contributions of the hundreds of employees working behind the scenes.

"I would like to thank everyone for the determination, sacrifice and collective effort that they demonstrate every day with passion and Ferrari spirit, both at the track and in Maranello."

From criticism to celebration

Elkann's warm words represented a notable contrast to the message he delivered just six months earlier.

Following Ferrari's disastrous Brazilian Grand Prix, where both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to finish, the chairman had openly criticized his drivers and urged them to concentrate on performance rather than words.

At the time, frustration permeated the organization as another difficult campaign threatened to slip away.

Now, the atmosphere could hardly be more different.

Hamilton's difficult debut season with Ferrari in 2025 tested the patience of many observers, but the Briton has looked rejuvenated throughout 2026.

His victory in Spain further strengthens his position in the championship fight and reinforces the belief that he can still challenge at the front in red.

The emotional significance of the win was evident moments after Hamilton crossed the finish line. Fighting back tears over the radio, he thanked the team that had stood by him through the challenging early months of the partnership.

• Read also: Hamilton hails Ferrari faith after 'dream that seemed impossible’

While Elkann's statement focused primarily on Hamilton's achievement, he also extended his gratitude to another Ferrari squad competing on a very different stage.

"My thanks also go to the other Ferrari team, which tackled an incredibly demanding 24 Hours of Le Mans with pride, unity and great professionalism, fighting until the very end. Forza Ferrari."

For a chairman who had not hesitated to criticize when standards fell short, Sunday's message carried extra weight.

Ferrari's leader had demanded results. In Barcelona, Hamilton delivered one worthy of celebration, earning praise from the very top of the company and writing a memorable new chapter in the storied history of the Scuderia.

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