LEWIS HAMILTON secured victory in the Italian Grand Prix yesterday as Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg showed another sign of cracking under the strain of this year’s Formula One world title fight.

A fortnight after colliding with Hamilton in Belgium, incurring the wrath and a fine from his team, Rosberg blundered midway through the race when leading at Monza.

The Brit took full advantage, bringing his car home 3.1 seconds ahead of Rosberg to close the gap to 22 points in the drivers’ standings with six races remaining.

And a beaming Hamilton, in front of a sea of red along the start-finish straight as Ferrari fans crammed on to the track, said: “What a great crowd.

“This is amazing to see, the whole start-finish straight is full of fans. You guys make this race, so thank you for your support.”

As for Rosberg, booed on the podium for the second successive race, he said: “It was a pity it didn’t work out today, but Lewis drove a great race so he deserves it.”

Trying to speak over the boos, Rosberg then spoke in fluent Italian, which appeased some at least.

Asked if they were friends again, Hamilton replied: “Of course, we’re teammates, always will be.”

As for Massa, for so long a Ferrari driver prior to joining Williams this year, the Brazilian said: “I’m very happy for my first podium with Williams.”