Tifosi were losing faith in Ferrari before Lewis Hamilton revived hopes with Barcelona triumph

Hamilton delivered his first Formula 1 victory in Ferrari colours in Spain, capping a remarkable turnaround after a difficult start to life at Maranello and silencing critics who questioned whether the seven-time World Champion still belonged at the front of the grid.

For Patrese, the significance of the victory extends far beyond a single race result. Speaking to BetBrothers, the Italian said Ferrari's recent improvement has restored enthusiasm among Tifosi who had grown tired of years of unfulfilled promises: “I love Ferrari a lot especially now that my son Lorenzo is driving for them!

“I am Italian, so I am happy that Ferrari won. We are so used to hearing excuses from Ferrari; it has always been ‘next year, next year!' People had begun to lose a little faith in Ferrari, hearing the same story every year.

“At the beginning of this season nobody expected anything from them myself included. And now they are winning. So, of course, everyone is full of enthusiasm and is very happy," declared Patrese,

Hamilton's success comes less than a year after widespread speculation that the Briton's career was nearing its end following a difficult final season at Mercedes.

Patrese believes those critics were wrong and argues Ferrari are now benefiting from the experience Hamilton has brought to the team. “I am very pleased for Lewis Hamilton because last year he faced a lot of criticism that I don't think was fair or justified. Everyone was telling him it was time to retire.

“He kept going and I think he gave the right input to Ferrari to improve them. When you are a seven-time world champion with all his experience and working with Mercedes who were a winning team anyway. It was crazy not to listen to Lewis and build the team around him.”

Patrese pointed to Ferrari's steady progress throughout the season: “It became immediately evident at the beginning of the season that there were good signs, and they are improving. Maybe it's still not a Mercedes, but they are the second force in the championship.”

The Italian also believes Hamilton's emotional reaction after winning in Spain revealed how much the moment meant to him: “In Lewis’ heart I am sure it has always been a dream to win with a Ferrari. And now he has managed it he must feel a big sense of satisfaction for him.”

Patrese credited Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur for creating an environment where Hamilton's experience can be fully utilised: “You have to suppose that Fred Vasseur gave the space to Lewis Hamilton to give his advice.

"Together with the work of the team and all the engineers and the entire organisation it has meant all the small pieces of the puzzle have been put together. At the end this has what has worked. Everything is working so much better at Ferrari now," he explained.

Hamilton's victory also convinced Patrese that retirement is not a thing: “It was the perfect reply to everybody who said they wanted him out. He showed them that he is staying around for a long period. We will see Lewis maybe for the next two, three, four years.

“When you see how emotional Lewis Hamilton got on the podium shows how much he has had to suffer before he comes out of his black tunnel. He is getting back to where he used to be. We must not forget that Hamilton won seven championships and more than a hundred Grand Prix."

“And anyway, even if he goes as slow as last year, you need to respect him for what he achieved and what he has done. Everybody needs to stay silent and stop telling him what he should do," ventured Patrese.

Despite Antonelli's championship lead, Patrese believes the battle is far from over and expects Hamilton to become a serious title threat if Ferrari's development continues: “Ferrari will improve for sure. But so too will Mercedes. Ferrari and Mercedes will both be fighting it out.

“I should say though that since the first race the level of improvement made by Ferrari has been better than that of Mercedes. Their quality went higher.”

Although Hamilton trails Antonelli by 40 points, Patrese believes the championship remains wide open: “We still have many races left this season. So, you never know. Never say never.

“Lewis Hamilton has definitely got a chance. He may be 40 points behind Kimi Antonelli but not that much if you think about the number of races to go.”

Patrese is particularly fascinated by the prospect of a title fight between the two: “It will definitely be very interesting to see the youngster against a 41-year-old ‘boy’ because he is still a boy because of emotion. Of course, the most important thing is that you are in a good and healthy condition, and Lewis is."

Patrese continued: "If Ferrari can continue to match Mercedes for the championship, it will be a very interesting duel. I really don't know who the winner will be. I am torn between the two of them. I can’t say whether I prefer Kimi as an Italian or Ferrari with Lewis!”

Meanwhile, Antonelli's retirement in Barcelona has done little to alter Patrese's view of the championship leader: “Kimi Antonelli has won five races in a row and is leading the championship. You have to look forward. He was quick because he was there fighting for the podium.

:So, there is no drama at all for him. He knows very well that luck can’t be on your side all the time," concluded Patrese.

As it stands, ahead of Round 8, the Austrian Grand Prix next weekend, Formula 1's newest star Antonelli, leads the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' standings by 41 points over our sport's most succesful driver, old enough to be the youngster's father.