What ‘almost every’ mechanic in the F1 pit lane did after Lewis Hamilton won Barcelona GP

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Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari win was welcomed by multiple competitors at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Calum Nicholas says.

Hamilton took one of the most iconic victories in F1 history on Sunday, 18 months after making the biggest transfer the sport has ever seen.

It’s his first win since the 2024 Belgian GP and Ferrari’s first since the Mexico City GP the same year. It comes after a brutal first season in which Hamilton called himself ‘useless’, leading to fears that his record-breaking career might end in a pitiful manner.

Your podium for the 2026 Barcelona GP 🇪🇸 But where does Lewis Hamilton finish without the VSC?

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Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari win prompts applause from competitors

Nicholas, a former Red Bull mechanic and now a pundit for F1TV, saw crews up and down the pit lane applauding Hamilton as he returned to parc ferme after crossing the line.

The victory was also well received by the Barcelona crowd despite Hamilton’s past rivalry with Fernando Alonso, whose retirement and the ensuing VSC arguably changed the course of the race.

“Absolutely, this is Lewis Hamilton at his best,” Nicholas said. “It’s not just the fans’ atmosphere here, there was applause from almost every garage in this pitlane. Everyone is so happy to see him get this victory. He was absolutely amazing.”

Lewis Hamilton wins his first race with Ferrari! 🎉 Where does this rank in Hamilton’s most satisfying wins?

Lewis Hamilton takes first Ferrari win at Barcelona Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli retires

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Nicholas’ former colleague Max Verstappen congratulated Hamilton in parc ferme, along with the likes of Kimi Antonelli – who may now have a new championship rival – Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez.

A number of drivers also paid tribute to the seven-time world champion in their media duties, including fellow podium finishers George Russell and Lando Norris and teammate Charles Leclerc.

• READ MORE: Charles Leclerc in awe of ‘incredible’ Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari win drought finally over

Hamilton won six titles in seven years between 2014 and 2020, leaving some neutrals desperate to see a new champion. But few took enjoyment from his woes in ’24 and ’25.

Indeed, the consensus seems to be that F1 is in a healthier place with Hamilton fighting at the front, rather than the upper midfield.