Lewis Hamilton wins the 2018 Italian GP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has won the 2018 Italian Grand Prix at Monza ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen. Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas finished in third after Max Verstappen (Red Bull) was handed a 5-second penalty for causing a collision.

Raikkonen started from pole position with Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) behind him. Hamilton, who started from third position made a move on Vettel at the Roggia chicane, which resulted in a collision between the two championship rivals. While Hamilton escaped unscathed, Vettel spun his Ferrari and damaged its front wing, which dropped him to the back of the grid. 

Raikkonen had good pace but Ferrari opted to pit him early, while Hamilton extended his first stint. Kimi rejoined the race behind Bottas, which further hampered his progress. Meanwhile, Hamilton changed tyres and closed in on Raikkonen. Eventually, Bottas pitted and Kimi regained the lead of the race. But, with 8 laps remaining, Hamilton on fresher tyres made his move on Kimi to take the lead of the race.

With the 5-second penalty, Verstappen dropped to fifth place behind Vettel. Romain Grosjean (Haas) finished in sixth place but was later disqualified as the stewards found that his car was not in compliance with the rules. The team is going to appeal against the decision.

Force India's Esteban Ocon was promoted to sixth place ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz finished eight for Renault, while William's drivers Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin finished in 9th and 10th respectively. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) and Fernando Alonso (McLaren) retired from the race due to mechanical issues.

With a win at Monza, Hamilton extends his lead over Vettel in the driver's championship to 30 points. The next race will be held in Singapore on September 16, 2018.

World Drivers' Championship standings:

Lewis Hamilton - 256

Sebastian Vettel - 226

Kimi Raikkonen - 164

World Constructors' Championship standings:

Mercedes - 415

Ferrari - 390

Red Bull - 248