Barcelona-Catalunya GP: Lewis Hamilton targets ‘excellent job’ to struggle George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and declare first Ferrari F1 win

Lewis Hamilton believes a “perfect job” might be required for Ferrari to take the struggle to Mercedes on the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, however will not be ruling out the chance to say a primary win in pink.

Hamilton was simply 0.064s behind pole-sitter George Russell – the closest he has been to prime spot in qualifying since becoming a member of Ferrari in 2025 – however break up the 2 Mercedes by beating championship chief Kimi Antonelli.

It’s a continuation of Hamilton’s robust run of kind after back-to-back second locations on the final two rounds in Montreal and Monaco.

The seven-time world champion took a dash pole and win in China final 12 months however is but to take a grand prix victory for Ferrari.

“There’s a lot of work to do to get ahead of these guys [Mercedes]. It will take a perfect job from all of us to fight these guys for a win,” he informed Sky Sports activities F1.

“Tyre administration might be essential. It at all times is right here, significantly when the observe is 50 levels. On Friday we had been simply sliding round, probably the most I’ve ever felt right here. And degradation was double what we anticipated.

“However the automotive is in a greater place and I hope it means we have now much less degradation. I am battling two Mercedes which might be more durable on technique.

“It’s a long way down to Turn One so we need a good start. Of all starts that’s the one you need to get right, so we can get the car where it needs to be.”

Within the earlier 35 Formulation 1 races on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the winner has come from the entrance row. Nevertheless, the 600-metre run right down to Flip One is among the most fun on the calendar, as final 12 months proved when Russell began third and took the lead by sweeping previous Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

Ferrari had a big benefit initially of the 12 months off the road due to their smaller turbo however Mercedes have caught up. Nonetheless, Hamilton says “the fight is on” and is hoping he can match the Silver Arrows on uncooked tempo.

“I’ll give it a go! What’s clear is what we’re doing is working, we’re improving as a team,” he mentioned.

“Clearly, these guys [Mercedes] just seem to have extra in the pocket. Every time we bring an upgrade, they’re still ahead, so we’ve got some work ahead of us.

“I do not know when they will carry one thing else once more, possibly the subsequent race or no matter. It’ll be swapping and altering, however it’s nice for us, that is the closest we have been pace-wise, in qualifying.”

Mercedes wary of Hamilton threat

Mercedes are unbeaten on Sundays this year with Antonelli on a run of five consecutive race wins to establish a 66-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship over Hamilton and 68-point advantage over Russell.

Team principal Toto Wolff pointed out Hamilton made a small error on his Q3 run which likely cost him pole position, and expects the Ferrari driver to be a problem in the race.

“My outdated buddy… when individuals doubted whether or not he nonetheless had the velocity, I’ve at all times mentioned if he is in the correct mind set and the automotive fits him, then he’s to be reckoned with,” Wolff informed Sky Sports activities F1.

“You need to count him in and that’s what he did in qualifying. If there isn’t a tiny mistake at the end, he is a tenth-and-a-half quicker than us.

“I believe it may play out in tyre degradation and we had been fairly good in the long term on Friday – however it all is determined by the beginning. If Lewis is forward after the beginning, that is going to be a tricky one for everybody, so I am actually curious to see how that pans out.”

It is possible the top three find themselves three abreast going into the tight first corner where several accidents have happened over the years.

“The slipstream goes to be a lot stronger [without Straight Line Mode at the start], so vital to get a very good begin after which attempt to get away cleanly into Flip One,” said Antonelli.

“From that time on, it may be making an attempt to play the lengthy recreation. Tyres are very fragile right here and we would see plenty of stops through the race as a result of they do not final very lengthy.”

Certainly, it could possibly be a three-stop race which is uncommon in trendy F1 however the mixture of scorching temperatures and lengthy corners imply tyre degradation may be very excessive.

Mercedes take pleasure in splitting methods with their drivers, whereas Charles Leclerc’s crash means Hamilton won’t be able to cowl each Silver Arrows.

Russell, who has failed to attain factors within the final two grands prix, mentioned: “There will be lots of opportunities in the race. But honestly, I just want to see the chequered flag and get to the end of the race!”

Sky Sports activities F1’s Barcelona-Catalunya GP schedule

Sunday June 14
7.35am: F3 Function Race
9.05am: Porsche Supercup
10.20am: F2 Function Race
12.30pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: THE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP response: Chequered Flag
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book

*Additionally on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion

Formulation 1 is in Spain for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with dwell protection on Sky Sports activities F1. Sunday’s race begins at 2pm. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime