LEWIS Hamilton’s Mercedes team believe Ferrari have taken a step backwards in the battle for the Formula One title after Sebastian Vettel was knocked off the championship summit for the first time this year at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton toasted his victory on Ferrari’s home turf in Monza – his second triumph in what could prove a pivotal eight days in this year’s title battle – with a beer from his Monte Carlo apartment on Sunday night before skateboarding through the streets of his adopted home town.
The 32-year-old Englishman is now three points clear of Vettel after his crushing performance in which he finished 36 seconds clear of the German, who crossed the line a distant third.
Monza’s so-called Temple of Speed was always expected to play to Mercedes’ strengths, but the margin of Hamilton’s victory will be a cause for concern for Ferrari.
Vettel attempted to put a brave face on their disappointing performance in front of a record 93,000 crowd, made up mostly of partisan Ferrari fans, but Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of the Italian manufacturer described the difference between his team and Mercedes as “embarrassing”.
Ferrari’s disappointing weekend was made worse when Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, who started 16th, eased past their second driver Kimi Raikkonen in the closing stages to finish fourth.
“Emotions run high and when you have a bad day you can’t hide it, so I can understand his feelings,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in response to Marchionne’s comments.
“For me it looks like Ferrari have taken a step back this weekend. I think we were very solid, but they have not performed in the way everybody expected.”
The F1 circus now leaves Europe and heads to Singapore for its next stop a week on Sunday, the first of three races in Asia.
The Marina Bay street circuit could provide Vettel an immediate chance to bounce back with his Ferrari car so far suited to the low-speed tracks on the calendar.
Hamilton has struggled at the floodlit race in recent years, failing to make it to the chequered flag in 2015 before losing the title lead to Nico Rosberg last year after he finished third to his former Mercedes team-mate.
“To be leading the championship – whilst it is only a couple of points – I am grateful, but by no means do I feel comfortable,” said Hamilton.
“I definitely feel like I have felt more heart and passion and found more within myself at the last three or four races, so I am going to keep applying myself in the same way,” Hamilton added.
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