Italian Media Tears Into Ferrari after Monza Loss

Italy’s media rounded on Ferrari after they failed to convert a front-row lockout into a first home win at Monza since 2010, instead seeing Lewis Hamilton win a fifth Italian Grand Prix to extend his and Mercedes’ leads in the Formula 1 championships.

Sebastian Vettel collided with Hamilton on the opening lap at Monza, dropping him to the back of the field and leaving Kimi Raikkonen isolated as he tried to cling on to victory ahead of the Mercedes.

Ultimately, the Silver Arrows left Raikkonen helpless, Valtteri Bottas extended his opening stint to back his countryman into Hamilton, who pounced with eight laps remaining once the Ferrari’s rear tyres had begun to give up.

Fernando Alonso remains the last driver to win at Monza in Scuderia scarlet – despite Ferrari having arrived home this year with a clear pace advantage over Mercedes.

Raikkonen’s pole lap on Saturday was the fastest tour of an F1 circuit in history – averaging almost 164 mph – but the Finn’s wait for a 21st grand prix victory now stands at 109 races.

On its front cover, Gazzetta dello Sport described Ferrari’s “own goal” and said the red cars had “missed everything”.

Columnist Gianluca Gasperini labelled the race “The Frittata of Monza” – a mess, much like the beaten eggs used in the dish.

Corriere dello Sport’s Autosprint section said of the race: “The GP of Italy started badly and finished even worse for Ferrari.

“A historic red front row in Monza was immediately ruined on the first lap.”

The Tifosi’s frustration was clear at the end of the race as Hamilton and Bottas were jeered on the podium, although both later brushed off the rough treatment from the home fans.

Hamilton said it had inspired his magnificent drive from third on the grid, while Bottas added: “I think every fan has their own right to tell their opinion for different drivers, different teams. Everyone can say whatever they like, they can support whoever they like.”