Lewis Hamilton Wins Italian Grand Prix and Doubles Formula One Lead

Lewis Hamilton cruised to his seventh win of the season at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, and doubled his Formula One lead over Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, whose engine caught fire with two laps remaining.

However, Hamilton's victory was under question after stewards summoned Mercedes concerning tire pressures on both of their cars.

Hamilton's left rear tire pressure was 0.3 psi below the minimum, while Rosberg's was 1.1 too low.

"I wasn't aware of it," Hamilton said, adding that 0.3 psi "is not really a huge amount on one tire."

Sole tire supplier Pirelli, still recovering from the Belgian GP two weeks ago where there were frightening tire deterioration problems, didn't think there should be a penalty.

"We are totally sure no one is cheating," Pirelli spokesman Roberto Boccafogli said, adding that "0.3 psi is nothing. ... Such a small thing."

Otherwise, it was a golden weekend for Hamilton, who topped every practice, started from pole position and led the race from start to finish.

"I dont know if I've ever had a weekend like this," said Hamilton, who is aiming for his second straight F1 title and third overall.

A potential challenge from Ferrari fizzled when Kimi Raikkonen stalled on the front row of the starting grid.

In perfect conditions, Hamilton finished 25 seconds ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the other Ferrari, while Felipe Massa crossed third, 47 seconds back.

If the results stands, Hamilton now leads Rosberg by 53 points with seven races remaining this season.

As thousands of red-clad Ferrari fans rushed out onto the track below, Hamilton was joined on the winner's podium by Star Wars creator George Lucas.

With the 40th win of his career, Hamilton moved within one victory of Ayrton Senna and Vettel on the all-time list. The Briton also became the first driver to secure back-to-back wins at Monza since Damon Hill in 1993-94.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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