adminMONZA. — Nico Rosberg exploited Lewis Hamilton’s poor start to claim his first Italian Grand Prix at Monza yesterday and move to within two points of his Mercedes temmate in the world Fornula One championship.
Rosberg roared into the lead at the first corner when pole-sitter Hamilton became bogged down and pulled away to control the race with calm aplomb and finish 15 seconds clear of the defending three-time champion.
Sebastian Vettel came home third, 5.9 seconds further adrift, ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, to the delight of a ‘scarlet army’ of home fans who swarmed on to the famed track for a memorable podium ceremony.
Daniel Ricciardo finished fifth for Red Bull ahead of Valtteri Bottas of Williams, Dutch teenager Max Verstappen who was seventh in the second Red Bull, Sergio Perez of Force India, retirement-bound Felipe Massa in the second Williams and Nico Hulkenberg in the second Force India. It was Rosberg’s first Italian win, his seventh of the season and 21st of his career, reviving his championship challenge with seven races remaining.
“It was all down to the start. I had an awesome start and it was all from there,” beamed Rosberg.
It was also the 50th podium finish of Rosberg’s career and prevented Hamilton completing a cherished hat-trick of Italian wins, to equal a feat achieved only once before by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950’s, and register his 50th career victory.
It was the first time in seven years that the race was not won by the driver starting from pole position. “Good job!” Hamilton grimaced as he shook hands with Rosberg afterwards. — AFP.
Online Reporter