Lewis chases hat-trick

Monza

Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton heads to this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix knowing that a hat-trick of successive wins at Monza will put him in charge of the title race after one of the most rollercoaster seasons of his career.

The Briton has a nine-point lead ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg ahead of the final race of the European season, leaving seven overseas contests remaining.

“The result in Spa, at the Belgian Grand Prix, was as good as damage limitation can be, for me – a fantastic result for me and for the team,” said Hamilton.

“Now we go to Monza, a track I know well from so many racing categories in my career. I had a perfect weekend last year and I know if I can repeat that it will be amazing.”

But it will be Ferrari attracting most attention as team chief Maurizio Arrivabene looks for a result that will support his opinion that the scarlet Scuderia have made progress and are ready to challenge for a win.

The two Ferrari drivers, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, crashed at the first corner in Belgium, in a controversial collision also involving teenager Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

As Ferrari prepared for home pressures, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner moved to defend Verstappen who, he said, was “on the edge” in his racing in Belgium where both Ferrari drivers said he was dangerous and reckless.

“Look, I think it was firm,” said Horner. “It was on the edge. He got away with it and the stewards were happy with it.

“But when he (Verstappen) looks back, I am sure he will see it was on the edge.’’

Meanwhile, Brazilian veteran driver Felipe Massa, who started his career in 2002, announced yesterday he will retire at the end of the season.