I will turn Vettel’s smile upside down

LEWIS HAMILTON has vowed to wipe the smile off Sebastian Vettel’s face as he steps behind enemy lines in the Italian Grand Prix.

Hamilton would take the championship lead for the first time with victory at the home of the Tifosi after moving to within seven points of Vettel.

The Englishman, in unforgiving form since the summer break, was fastest in opening practice yesterday.

Although he was pipped to the top of the time sheets by Valtteri Bottas in the day’s second running at Monza, Hamilton will start favourite to seal his fourth consecutive pole.

That would see Hamilton stand alone as the all-time record pole-setter after matching Michael Schumacher’s tally of 68 in Belgium last time.

But of more pressing concern is dealing a psychological blow to Vettel at his Ferrari team’s home race.

“This weekend the ultimate goal is obviously to win and to put a dent in that lead he’s had all season,” said Hamilton. “He’s had that smile on his face all year long. So I’m looking forward to turning that upside down.”

Hamilton added: “In the past I felt I was in the enemy’s back garden in Monza.

“But for the last four or five years I’ve had such a great welcome here, even from the Ferrari fans.

“Every time I come now I feel at home. I love it here. When you turn up and see the fans at the gate, there’s a lot of Ferrari fans there but at least 50 per cent of them say, ‘Come to Ferrari’. It’s a compliment.”

Vettel has spearheaded the Italian team’s revival this year and victory tomorrow would ensure he became the first Ferrari driver to win in front of the Tifosi since Fernando Alonso in 2010.

But he insisted he did not feel under extra pressure.

And Vettel laughed when told Hamilton wanted to wipe the smile off his face. “He will not succeed,” said the four-time champion.