MONZA, Italy (AP) – First it was physical contact.
Now it’s turning into a psychological battle.
The fierce rivalry between the Mercedes teammates dominating Formula One took a new turn today when Lewis Hamilton pressured Nico Rosberg into a mistake and overtook him to win the Italian Grand Prix.
“You have to be prepared for the unexpected,” Hamilton said. “I’m quite grateful for today that I didn’t lose it, didn’t crash into anyone on that first corner. … I managed to keep my head.”
At the Belgian GP two weeks ago, Rosberg finished second after crashing into Hamilton early and sending his teammate out of the incident-packed race – resulting in disciplinary measures from Mercedes and a reportedly hefty fine for Rosberg.
The key event this time came on lap 29 of 53 as Hamilton had recovered from a poor start to pull up right into Rosberg’s rear-view mirrors.
Feeling Hamilton’s presence behind him, Rosberg braked hard and drove straight through the Monza circuit’s first chicane at the end of the main straightaway.
Rosberg was slowed as he had to slalom through obstacles on the escape road, while all Hamilton had to do was stay on the track and he easily passed Rosberg.
Hamilton then cruised to his second win in Monza, his sixth victory of the season and the 28th of his Formula One career.
