\n<\/p>\n
Hamilton’s victory, in such convincing style, has inevitably raised questions about what he and Ferrari can go on to achieve.<\/p>\n
The team entered this year with high hopes that the new regulations for chassis and engine could give them a chance to return to the front.<\/p>\n
So six consecutive Mercedes victories at the start of the year, and the obvious fact that Ferrari’s engine was lagging behind the best, were an unwelcome surprise.<\/p>\n
The Ferrari car was as good as anything else in the corners – perhaps the best – but that was not enough to compete with Mercedes.<\/p>\n
Barcelona changed all that. Ferrari introduced their second major upgrade of the year, to follow the first at the fourth race of the season in Miami.<\/p>\n
And on a track where power is not such an important part in lap time, it made a critical difference.<\/p>\n
Hamilton was left behind by Antonelli in Monaco a week ago, on a track where power is even less important. But this time he was the fastest driver in the race.<\/p>\n
The win – in combination with Antonelli’s first retirement of the year – puts Hamilton 41 points adrift of the Italian, and extends his lead over Russell to nine.<\/p>\n
And under F1’s engine rules, Ferrari have been granted two upgrades this season, Mercedes only one. The first could come, it is said, as early as the next race in Austria.<\/p>\n