F1: LEWIS HAMILTON BEATS FERRARI IN ITALY

Lewis Hamilton battling with Kimi Raikkonen for the lead of the Italian Grand Prix – Photo: Suttons Images

Lewis Hamilton has overcome the challenge of Ferrari to win Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Hamilton was locked in an intense battle with the Ferrari’s throughout the race before he emerged victorious at the prancing horse’s home Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel spinning after contact with Lewis Hamilton – Photo: Suttons Images

The Mercedes driver first challenge was Sebastian Vettel with the two locked in a side by side battle during the opening stages of the first lap of the race. However, the two made side by side contact in the second chicane, in what was deemed a racing incident, spinning Vettel and taking him out contention.

Brendon Hartley’s wrecked Toro Rosso – Photo: Suttons Images

That wasn’t the only issue on the opening lap, Toro Rosso’s Brendon Hartley barely made it off the pit straight after being squeezed between Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren) and Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) at the start. Damage to his front suspension forcing him out of the race immediately. While a Safety Car was called upon to allow officials time to clean up the carbon fibre debris on the track.

Kimi Raikkonen, who had led the race from the start, was then under fire from the Championship leader. Both drivers locked in a duel for the lead throughout the race, until fresher tyres for Hamilton allowed him to gain the advantage with eight laps left in the race and take the win. Raikkonen finished in second to claim his 100th career podium finish.

Max Verstappen was penalised for this contact with Valtteri Bottas – Photo: LAT

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crossed the line third, however, a penalty for contact with Valtteri Bottas relegated the Dutchman back to fifth in the official results. Verstappen was claimed to have squeezed Bottas, not giving him racing room. Bottas claimed the final spot on the podium.

Vettel recovered from his opening lap spin to finish the race in fourth (after Verstappen’s penalty).

Romain Grosjean was the best of the rest of the field for Haas finishing the race in sixth.

Daniel Ricciardo’s race ended early – Photo: Suttons Images

It was not a great race for Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who suffered what appeared to be another power unit failure with his Renault powered Red Bull. Ending his race parked on the side of the track on Lap 27.

Hamilton now holds a 30 point advantage over Vettel in the championship point standings.

Formula 1 – Italian Grand Prix – Results

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