Lewis Hamilton beat Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the 2026 Barcelona Grand Prix in one of the most surprising results of the current Formula 1 season. The British driver had to wait more than a full campaign to claim his first win in Ferrari red — a moment that will live long in the memory of this sport.

But the significance of Sunday's result goes beyond the personal. Hamilton's victory in Barcelona also made him the oldest winning driver since Sam Hanks took the flag in 1957 — a record that had stood for almost 69 years, and one that underlines just how relevant certain drivers remain regardless of age.

The Stevenage-born driver openly considered walking away from F1 during the darkest stretch of his troubled 2025 season with Ferrari. He appeared visibly frustrated and deflated in press conferences, a stark contrast to the composed and commanding presence the paddock had come to expect from a seven-time world champion.

That difficult period naturally fuelled speculation around potential replacements and there is speculation about what the future holds for the British driver regarding his next steps, because any decision he makes would represent an earthquake for F1 and the rest of the drivers. Names such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman were linked with the Ferrari seat should Hamilton decide to step away from the sport entirely.

According to reporting from Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, Hamilton agreed to a lower base salary than he previously earned, offset by significant performance-based incentives that could substantially increase his total earnings. The publication reported that the British driver stands to earn around 40 million euros per season at Ferrari, with his contract structured as an initial two-year deal plus an option for a third year. With performance bonuses factored in, his total earnings could approach 100 million euros.

Italian journalist Leo Turrini confirmed the deal follows a "2+1" framework — two guaranteed seasons with an additional option. Ferrari officially announced Hamilton's arrival for 2025 via a multi-year contract, confirming he would come to Maranello under a deal covering several seasons.

If Hamilton continues to rack up wins and pushes his way into the title fight, the prospect of a contract extension at the Scuderia becomes considerably more realistic after the recent Charles Leclerc renewal. A new disappointing stretch, however, could lead both parties to explore different paths — making the next few months absolutely crucial for the Briton's long-term future at the most storied team in Formula 1.