Bitter Italian Grand Prix for Ferraris. The race on the Monza circuit ends with a one-two for Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton first, Valtteri Bottas second. Third was Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel. The Briton becomes the new World Championship leader by overtaking the German.
In fourth place the Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo, author of a great comeback from 17th place at the start. Fifth was the other Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen, ahead of the Force India of Esteban Ocon, the Williams of Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa. Ninth place for Sergio with Force India and tenth for Max Verstappen with Red Bull.
Here is the updated driver standings:
Hamilton 238
Vettel 235
Bottas 197
Ricciardo 144
Raikkonen 138
"Thank you guys! Today was a difficult day but there were many fans…Thanks to the fans, thank you very much!”. Thus, in Italian, Sebastian Vettel thanked the team and fans via radio after crossing the finish line. Then, in English, he said that he had some difficulties in the finale and that we will have to work in view of the next grand prix.
“I love Italy and its fans, those of Ferrari give a great energy. I respect and appreciate them, but here we have done a great job together with the team", said Hamilton instead, responding to the numerous boos that the fans reserved for him under the podium in Monza. Then, however, the Briton also threw a dig: "Our engine is better than Ferrari's and this race proved it," he said with a smile.
Sergio Marchionne shares the same opinion: "Today it was almost embarrassing to see the difference between Mercedes and Ferrari", remarked the number one of the Maranello company, underlining that "the goal does not change for the drivers' and constructors' world championship", and that " this is not Ferrari: we need to double the effort. We have to take the smile off their faces, they're pissing me off a bit”.
