Hamilton on mission to deny Vettel Monza glory
Lewis Hamilton aims to wipe the smile off Sebastian Vettel’s face as he steps behind enemy lines for the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton would take the lead in this season’s Formula 1 championship for the first time with a win at the home of the Tifosi after moving to within seven points of Vettel.
The Englishman has been in an unforgiving mood since the sport’s summer break, following his brilliant victory at Spa-francorchamps with the fastest time in opening practice yesterday.
And although he was pipped to the top of the time sheets by Valtteri Bottas in the day’s second running here at Monza, Hamilton will start as favourite to seal his fourth consecutive pole position.
Such an accomplishment would see Hamilton stand alone as the sport’s all-time record pole-setter after matching Michael
Schumacher’s tally of 68 in Belgium last weekend. But of more pressing concern for Hamilton is that of dealing a psychological blow in Vettel’s direction at his Ferrari team’s home race.
“This weekend the ultimate goal is obviously to win, and to put a dent in that lead that he’s had all season,” Hamilton said.
“He’s had that smile on his face all year long, being that he’s had that title lead. So I’m looking forward to turning that upside down.”
Victory for Vettel would ensure he becomes the first Ferrari driver to win in front of the Tifosi since Fernando Alonso’s triumph back in 2010.
The German, who finished within a tenth of a second of Hamilton in second practice, laughed when he was informed the Briton wants to take the smile off his face. “Whatever happens he will not succeed,” said Vettel.