Lewis Hamilton took a significant step towards a fifth Formula One title, winning the Italian Grand Prix on Monday morning (NZ time).
Starting from third, Hamilton took the lead with nine laps remaining, overtaking Kimi Raikkonen, as he collected maximum points in his Mercedes.
The win extends Hamilton's lead atop the standings to 30 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel, with seven races remaining in the season.
- Kimi Raikkonen records fastest-ever lap in Italian GP qualifying
- Marcus Ericsson survives horror crash at Italian Grand Prix practice
The crowd booed Hamilton, as he crossed the line, after he and Vettel collided on the first lap, spinning the Ferrari driver around and dropping him to the back of the field.
Stewards investigated, but deemed it was a racing incident - although Vettel later blamed Hamilton for the clash.
It means Ferrari hasn't tasted victory in Italy since 2010, when Fernando Alonso won.
"Today was so difficult," Hamilton said after the race. "While the negativity is never great, that's what powered me along - I actually accept it.
"I love being here in Italy... the track is incredible and it's a such an honour to win here in front of such a great crowd."
The news wasn't as good for Kiwi Brendon Hartley, whose race was over after a few hundred metres.
Hartley's Toro Rosso car had his front-right wheel ripped off before the first corner of the race, when he was squeezed between two cars and left with nowhere to go.
"I was really looking forward to my first Monza GP," said a dejected Hartley.
"I felt very strong all weekend and was very close to [teammate Pierre Gasly] in qualifying. Even if that meant starting a few positions lower on the grid, I was confident of having a strong race.
"Unfortunately, right after the start, Ericsson moved a little bit to the left trying to pass me. It wasn't that aggressive what he did, but it was enough to put an end to my day before turn one.
"It's been a great race to watch from the outside, but of course, I would have preferred to be on track and finish the race."
The Grand Prix circuit now moves to Singapore in two weeks.
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