Lewis Hamilton wins Italian Grand Prix and overtakes Sebastian Vettel in Drivers’ Championship ahead of next race in Singapore
Mercedes star's finish never looked in doubt after taking record pole in Monza as team record a superb 1-2 finish
LEWIS HAMILTON stormed into the lead of the drivers' championship for the first time this season after his victory in the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who held a joint share of the top spot with Sebastian Vettel after the Chinese GP, is now three points clear of the German.
It was a routine win for Hamilton and his Mercedes team, who have dominated this track for the past four years.
His teammate Valtteri Bottas was second while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was third, but a whopping 36 seconds behind the Brit.
The win is not only crucial for Hamilton in turning the tables in the championship, it also gives his team a huge shot in the arm ahead of the Singapore GP.
The nightrace has proven to be somewhat of a bogey race for Mercedes -- and particularly Hamilton, in the past.
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, who started 16th, came home in fourth place while Kimi Raikkonen was fifth.
However, it was another disappointing race for Brit Jolyon Palmer, who was force to retire his Renault.
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McLaren, who are nearing a decision to ditch engine markers Honda, were also forced to retire both their cars.
But it was another memorable day for Hamilton, who will now be full of confidence going into the next race at Singapore.
