Hamilton tells Tifosi: You boo, I win

Hamilton tells Tifosi: You boo, I win

Sunday 2 September 2018 16:56

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Lewis Hamilton said his hostile treatment from Ferrari's fans at Monza inspired him to beat Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen to win the Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton survived a first-lap collision with championship rival Vettel to move 30 points clear of the German in the drivers' standings.

Hamilton secured a fifth win at Monza to equal Michael Schumacher's record tally and deny Ferrari a first win at home since 2010, despite the Scuderia locking out the front row in qualifying.

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After chasing Raikkonen, with help from team-mate Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton made his move with eight laps to go, which prompted many Tifosi to leave Monza.

Hamilton has been booed by the home fans throughout the weekend and speaking over more jeers post-race, Hamilton warned the Italian fans that they had only served to inspire him.

The ROAR of an #ItalianGP winner! ???? #ItalianGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/Wq2ONdBzdL — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 2, 2018

"Today was so difficult," he said. "Whilst the negativity is never great, that's what powered me along. I actually accept it.

"I want to give it up to Ferrari who put up a great challenge and gave us a great fight. I want to thank the guys here and everyone back home; without their belief it wouldn't have been possible.

"There's been a lot of negativity but there were a lot of British flags out there today. They know who they are.

"In future I only want to turn to a negative to a positive. Thanks to Valtteri too. We never give up."