Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have been warned that Lewis Hamilton will now be ‘rubbing his hands’ after the Mercedes pair’s incident.
Over the weekend, Hamilton won the Barcelona Grand Prix ahead of Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
The seven-time world champion rolled back the years as he produced a stunning drive to take the chequered flag more than 19 seconds ahead of his rivals.
While Hamilton celebrated, championship leader Antonelli endured a tough afternoon after he was forced to retire in the closing stages due to a car problem.
Looking ahead, Antonelli now leads Hamilton by 41 points, with Russell 50 points behind the young Italian.
What is the BIGGEST reason for Lewis Hamilton’s turnaround at Ferrari this year?
Lewis Hamilton will now be ‘rubbing his hands’ watching George Russell vs Kimi Antonelli
Speaking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Alice Powell stated that it is likely the Silver Arrows will make contact again in the future, which could benefit Hamilton.
The Mercedes pair went wheel-to-wheel in Barcelona before Antonelli’s retirement, just like they did in Canada during the Sprint and the main Grand Prix.
Powell claimed that Hamilton can ‘sense’ Russell and Antonelli making contact, and he will be ‘rubbing his hands’ ready to pick up the pieces.
She said: “We’ve seen it already this year, the two Mercedes making contact; I think we will see it again at some point. They got close to doing it today.
“Antonelli damaged his front wing. I’m not sure; I didn’t see any contact, but there must have been because I don’t think it was damaged before he overtook George Russell.
“When it starts to get high, the tension is there. Obviously, Kimi Antonelli was gutted and hugely frustrated, as you would be. George Russell the same in Canada.”
Powell added: “But I think they will make contact again at some point, and Lewis Hamilton, I feel like, almost senses that. He’s been in battles with his teammates; he knows what it’s like.
“Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton made contact 10 years ago in Barcelona; there are two hungry drivers, three including Lewis Hamilton.
“Particularly the Mercedes drivers when they are battling each other, I think they will trip over themselves at some point, and Lewis Hamilton will be rubbing his hands and say ‘Yeah, I’ll pick up the pieces’.”
What did the Barcelona Grand Prix reveal about Formula 1 in 2026?
READ MORE: Martin Brundle has heard something in F1 paddock that suggests Lewis Hamilton could keep winning
What did Lewis Hamilton say about his title chances?
Speaking after securing his first win for Ferrari, Hamilton admitted that Mercedes have an ‘amazing package’ but also claimed that ‘nothing is impossible’.
The 41-year-old went on to say that in order for him to win the title, it will take ‘absolutely everything’ from everyone at Ferrari.
As per Sky Sports, Hamilton said: “I think it’s just the beginning. Mercedes have got an amazing package and they’re so strong. Both drivers are doing such an incredible job.
“It’s going to take absolutely everything from all of us in this team to overcome the deficit and to get to being ahead of them and doing this consistently.
“But nothing is impossible, so just one step at a time.”
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
