Hamilton, who enjoys a 53-point lead over second-placed Rosberg, looks set to defend his crown with just seven races remaining in the calendar. PHOTO: AFP
As nearest rival and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg retired with a blown engine with two laps to go, Hamilton took full advantage on a day when his perfect drive ended amid chaotic scenes and reports that his car had raced with illegal tyre pressures.
Hamilton led from pole position to the chequered flag, leading all the way and surviving a nervous period during the final laps when, warned by his team, he became aware of possible performance problems.
His points advantage, with seven races remaining after the last European race of the season, makes him a clear favourite to defend his crown and claim a third world title.
The newly-blond defending champion came home 25 seconds ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari with former local hero Felipe Massa finishing third for Williams, repeating his podium finish of last year.
Hamilton’s win was his second in succession at the Autodromo Nazionale, his third in all at the famous old circuit, his seventh of the season and 40th of his career.
“Those last few laps were not cool man, not cool,” Hamilton told his engineer over the team radio, after being asked to push harder and not ask questions.
In his 50th race since joining Mercedes, Hamilton had made a perfect start as, behind him, Raikkonen stalled and, with cars weaving around him, Vettel powered into second in pursuit of the championship leader.
Raikkonen’s misfortune gave the two Williams a chance to take third and fourth with Massa leading Bottas behind Vettel, the top five stretched out by Hamilton’s early speed as he opened a lead of 5.9 seconds by lap 10.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2015.
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