'Hamilton wins in red in Barcelona as Mercedes need to worry now'

After securing his first podium of the season in China and adding two more consecutive top-three finishes in Montreal and Monaco, another strong result from the seven-time world champion was expected. However, what unfolded in Barcelona over the weekend went far beyond most predictions. Hamilton's first victory as a Ferrari driver marks a historic milestone not only for him but for Formula 1 as a whole, particularly after weeks of speculation had even suggested he could retire at the end of the season - rumours that were swiftly dismissed by the Briton himself.

Compared to twelve months ago, when Hamilton openly questioned his own value and suggested Ferrari might be better off looking elsewhere, the situation has changed dramatically. Podiums have been arriving with increasing regularity, and the long wait for a first victory in red has finally come to an end. That breakthrough has now opened the door to a conversation that seemed unthinkable until recently: a genuine push for an eighth world championship.

After eight races, helped in part by the championship leader's late retirement, Hamilton has suddenly found himself back in title contention - something that has not happened since 2021 - although the gap he still needs to make up in the standings remains significant.

Another major talking point is the battle between the two Mercedes drivers. Antonelli had once again got the better of his team-mate and was on course to extend his championship advantage to 71 points. Instead, a costly electrical shutdown forced him to park his W17 with just four laps remaining, slashing that gap to 50 points.

It was another weekend to forget for Charles Leclerc. After retiring from his home race in Monaco the previous week, the Monegasque suffered another setback with a qualifying crash before being hit by a technical issue during the race, coincidentally on the same lap as Antonelli's retirement. The resulting DNF dealt another major blow to his championship hopes, leaving him significantly further behind his team-mate in the standings.

McLaren and Red Bull were somewhat less in the spotlight, despite Lando Norris securing another podium finish. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, inherited fourth place thanks to the retirements of Antonelli and Leclerc, but never truly looked in a position to challenge for a spot on the podium throughout the race.

Below are the key conclusions Jim Kimberley and Ben Hunt drew following the Spanish Grand Prix!