Formula 1 Italian GP: Comfortable Win For Rosberg, Hamilton Finishes Second

Nico Rosberg won his maiden Italian Grand Prix, which took place at the iconic Monza circuit (better known as Autodromo Nationale Monza). The German driver has clinched his second consecutive win and is just two points behind his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, in the championship standings. Whereas, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel finishing third -- he wasn’t able to repeat a win, which he clinched last year at the same venue.

Hamilton, despite starting off on pole position lost his place at the very beginning of the race with a bad start. Rosberg, however, had a perfect start and quickly took the lead at the very first corner on the first lap. While Hamilton was pushed way back to the sixth position behind the Ferrari duo, Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo.

Hamilton did try to charge up the order, but could only manage the fourth position after 11 laps into the race. Also, by that time, Rosberg had extended his lead to a massive 15 seconds. The former did close in a bit in the last stages following Mercedes’ one-stop strategy, but a small mistake cost Hamilton precious time.

Behind these three was Ferrari’s second driver, Kimi Raikkonen, who after reporting a vibration issue with his car in the early stage of the race finished at the fourth spot. While, it was Red Bull driver, Daniel Ricciardo, who was able to finish fifth after a decent fight for the position with Valtteri Bottas — who finished sixth — in the closing stages of the race.

On the seventh position was Max Verstappen, who was able to get the better off Force India’s driver Sergio Perez during the last four laps of the race. Verstappen managed to climb up the position ladder after a bad start in the race. 

Finishing ninth was Felipe Massa, who had announced his retirement from the sport, while he was followed by Nico Hulkenberg at the tenth spot to claim the final points in the race.