Ferrari is in ruins - Italian media react to Suzuka

Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the 2018 Formula 1 drivers' championship to 67 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel following his comfortable win at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, and with Ferrari once again disappointing, the Italian sports media have not been shy with their criticism.

The pressure was already on for Ferrari heading into Suzuka, as they trailed Mercedes in both the drivers' and constructors' championships, and with Vettel losing ground quickly following a clash with Max Verstappen, the Silver Arrows cruised to victory via Hamilton.

The Italian sports media have been scathing in their criticism of their home outfit, as well as Vettel.

"Ferrari is in ruins," La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote after the Japanese GP.

"There are strategists who make mistakes, a weak driver who learns nothing from mistakes, a team boss who attacks his team, and a car in decline. Before Monza, you could hardly have imagined such a collapse."

For most of the other outlets, Vettel was the target of their complaints, saying he makes too many mistakes.

"The German adds to his collection of horror mistakes by destroying a fantastic start," Corriere della Sera wrote in reference to the collision with Verstappen.

"These mistakes are an expression of a deep unrest within the four time champion, who is experiencing a crisis of confidence."

La Repubblica agreed, saying:

"While Hamilton reaches for Fangio's record, Ferrari's season fails," it said.

"Vettel chose the worst moment to lose and Ferrari breaks up under team boss Maurizio Arrivabene, who criticises his own people."

Meanwhile, La Stampa believes that the German is a driver no longer capable of making the correct decisions.

"Maybe it's bad luck, but it's also a fact that Sebastian Vettel no longer does anything right," they said.

MORE: Vettel responds to Ferrari quit questions
MORE: Vettel wants Verstappen face-to-face after Suzuka crash