Lewis Hamilton profits from Nico Rosberg mistake to win Italian Grand Prix
Briton overtakes Mercedes teammate midway through race to cut into the German's championship lead in drivers' standings
Lewis Hamilton pressured Nico Rosberg into a mistake and overtook his Mercedes teammate to win the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, adding another chapter to their heated rivalry.
The key pass came about midway through the 53-lap race as Hamilton had recovered from a poor start to pull up right behind Rosberg.
Clearly feeling Hamilton’s presence behind him, Rosberg braked hard and drove straight through the Monza circuit’s first chicane at the end of the main straightaway and was slowed as he slalomed through obstacles on the escape road.
All Hamilton had to do was stay on the track and he easily passed Rosberg and then cruised to his sixth victory of the season and 28th of his Formula One career.
You have to be prepared for the unexpected. I’m quite grateful for today that I didn’t lose it, didn’t crash into anyone on that first corner
“You have to be prepared for the unexpected,” Hamilton said. “I’m quite grateful for today that I didn’t lose it, didn’t crash into anyone on that first corner. ... I managed to keep my head.” Hamilton cut Rosberg’s championship lead from 29 to 22 points with six races remaining.