Hamilton breaks podium drought with P3 finish in Spain, reflects on strong weekend

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Lewis Hamilton Bounces Back with Strong Performance in Barcelona

Lewis Hamilton marked a triumphant return to the Formula One podium with Mercedes on Sunday, securing a third-place finish at the famed Circuit de Catalunya. Despite his best season result and Mercedes’ notable improvement, the seven-time world champion remains steadfast in his decision to move to Ferrari next year.

A milestone achievement

Hamilton’s performance not only broke his podium drought, but also extended his record to an astounding 198 career podiums, his first since October of the previous year. With teammate George Russell finishing fourth, it was a commendable day for Mercedes.

"This is the best weekend I've had all year, and for a long, long time, for like 15 races or something crazy," Hamilton shared with reporters. "It's good to be back, it's good to have battles like today, it's good to reassert and reaffirm."

The Briton’s charge to the podium was highlighted by a brilliant overtake on Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, the very driver Hamilton is set to replace next season, as well as a successful maneuver past teammate George Russell.

Team Principal Toto Wolff, who faced accusations earlier this month of sabotaging Hamilton in an anonymous email, praised the driver’s stellar weekend.

"It has been a while that he was on the receiving end and strategy had worked against him and today that was in his favour," Wolff noted. "So I'm happy that we have that podium for him."

Despite Ferrari’s challenges this season, Hamilton remains confident about his forthcoming move to the Italian team. Scuderia Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished fifth and sixth respectively, following a double retirement in Canada.

"My job next year will be to start with the other team, and they are doing a great job. They have had a difficult couple of races but let's not forget they had a race win in Monaco," Hamilton stated. "I don't know what is wrong with their car and why they are in the position they are in. But it doesn't make me second-guess my decision at all."

Past performance and future prospects

Notably, Mercedes displayed strong pace in Barcelona last season as well, with Hamilton finishing second and Russell third behind Verstappen. Russell, who secured his first podium of the 2024 season in Canada just two weeks ago, reflected on his third-place finish there as a missed opportunity, given his pole position in qualifying.

Hamilton’s return to the podium in Spain represents a pivotal moment in his season, showcasing not just personal triumph but also signaling Mercedes’ potential resurgence. With eyes set on his future with Ferrari, Hamilton remains unfazed and optimistic, maintaining the confidence that has defined his legendary career.

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