LEWIS HAMILTON blew his chance of winning the Italian GP after another shocking start.
The Brit had to settle for second place behind bitter rival Nico Rosberg, whose win here closes the gap in the title race to just TWO points.
Nico Rosberg has closed the gap on Lewis Hamilton in the battle for the world title to just two points
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Hamilton was passed by FIVE other cars, after he failed to capitalise on his brilliant pole position the previous day.
The Mercedes duo comfortably finished ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, who were third and four respectively.
Hamilton was slow off the line and he was leapfrogged by Rosberg, Vettel and Raikkonen.
IMAGE: Reuters
He was then squeezed out by Valtteri Bottas and Daniel RIcciardo and plummeted to SIXTH place after just three corners.
It was a nightmare for Hamilton, who suffered slow getaways in Melbourne, Bahrain and Canada.
He made up a place on Ricciardo and was up to fifth by the end of the first lap but he had to wait another 10 laps before he got past Bottas and into fourth.
While Hamilton had it all to do, fellow Brit Jolyon Palmer, who is fighting for his F1 future, suffered another miserable race as he retired for the fourth time this season.
Luckless Palmer was clattered by Sauber’s Felipe Nasr, which earned the Brazilian a 10 second penalty – scant consolation for Palmer, whose Renault was ruined.
He said: “I was trying to take another place from Nasr and he forced me off the track. He should have a grid drop, it is unfair. There is better racing in GP2 and GP3!”
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There were no problems however for Rosberg, who was enjoying a trouble free race out in front with the two Ferraris behind.
The German was then given a greater advantage when Ferrari decided to pit both their cars for fresh tyres, dragging him into a fight for first place with Hamilton.
Yet Rosberg was able to maintain his lead and was given a helping hand when Hamilton locked up at the first chicane, which put pay to any hopes that he could catch his rival.
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Rosberg remained untroubled out in front for his 21st career win and puts him back into the title race ahead of the Singapore GP.
Meanwhile, Jenson Button, who announced his plans to sit out of F1 next season, finished down in 12th place.
Driver of the Day: Nico Rosberg did what needed to be done but it was all too easy.
Move of the Race: Daniel Ricciardo pulled off a stunner to get past Valtteri Bottas on lap 48.
Mistake of the Race: Hamilton’s slow start proved to be the end of his hopes of winning this GP.
Milkfloat: Felipe Nasr crashed into Jolyon Palmer on the first lap.
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