Max leaves Lew behind

FORMULA ONE

Italian Grand Prix

Today, 2.10pm

LEWIS HAMILTON cut a dejected figure after losing further ground to title rival Max Verstappen.

The Brit finished only fifth in yesterday’s sprint race at the Italian Grand Prix.

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas delivered a fine win at

Monza, with Verstappen taking the runner-up spot and two crucial points.

But the Red Bull driver is on pole for today’s race with Bottas sent to the back of the grid after an engine penalty.

Not only did Hamilton fail to score but he will have his work cut out for today’s main event from fourth on the grid – promoted following Bottas’ penalty – and the Mclarens of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris ahead of him.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton had a poor launch from the line and admitted the race is Verstappen’s to lose.

He said: “You saw the pace of Red Bull – it should be an easy win for Verstappen.”

The usual qualifying was replaced by an 18-lap race to decide the GP grid – and Hamilton was found wanting after an uncharacteristically poor start as Verstappen (above) and the Mclarens charged past.

Pierre Gasly also got himself ahead of

Hamilton before crashing heavily, which brought out the safety car.

After that, Hamilton relentlessly put pressure on Norris with DRS enabled, but just could not get past.

Bottas, this week dropped by the Silver Arrows, took the chequered flag 2.3 seconds clear of Verstappen with Hamilton 20 seconds adrift of his team-mate.

Verstappen said: “The race was better than expected – we had good strategy and scored nice little points and I’m starting on pole. It will be an interesting battle.”

Bottas, who will be replaced by George Russell next year, said: “It feels like a while since I have finished first. Unfortunately I start at the back but the speed is there so I will be fighting.”