It had been two years since Lewis Hamilton last stood on the top step of the podium. The last time was at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, when he was still driving for Mercedes. Since the Englishman signed for Ferrari, there has been no way to be truly competitive. He even struggled to overtake his teammate. A bad streak that has been broken at Montmeló, in a Grand Prix marked by nostalgia, uncertainty, and plot twists. A race that marks a turning point in the World Championship, which is tightening up again. "You helped me achieve this. I don't have enough words to thank you. It wouldn't have been possible without you," said an emotional Hamilton, who achieved his 106th victory in Formula 1.

Formula 1 arrives this weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with many uncertainties about the future of the competition in Montmeló. For now, there is an agreement until 2026, and negotiations are underway to extend the contract for several more years. However, the arrival of Madrid on the calendar is a thorn in the side because it is very rare for a country to host two World Championship events. However, the managers of the Catalan track are optimistic and trust that the talks will come to a successful conclusion.