Hamilton tells Vettel: We're supposed to be racing.

Lewis Hamilton hit back at Sebastian Vettel's criticism over their first-lap collision at the Italian Grand Prix, telling the Ferrari driver: "We're supposed to be racing." Vettel was spun to the back of the field after hitting Hamilton at the Variante della Roggia.

Ferrari started with a front-row lockout at Monza, Kimi Raikkonen ahead of Vettel, but the Tifosi's wait for a first win at home since 2010 goes on after Hamilton got the better of the Finn late on to seal his fifth win at Monza - equalling Michael Schumacher's record.

Vettel and Hamilton were side by side at the second of three chicanes on the opening lap, the Mercedes benefitting from the tow to draw level before nudging ahead.

The German accused Hamilton of failing to give him enough room after finishing fourth and falling 30 points adrift of the reigning champion in the title race.

"I think it was a racing move," Hamilton said.

"It's pretty much the same move that Kimi did to me. I don't really know what to say about that.

"It was a racing manoeuvre, it's what we're supposed to do out there. We're supposed to be racing.

"I left him space. I was still on track, so… but I'm sure it's a comment that was done in the heat of the moment.

"And it's never a great feeling when you spin and you're facing the other cars coming the other way.

"And then you get back up and you start from the back and you have to come through.

"I don't take anything from it. I know how it is to be in that emotion. I'm sure he really didn't mean too much by it."