Mercedes returned to form in Belgium, and put pay to Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel’s title charge. It is now evident that the drivers’ title will be staying at Brackley for a second year. The main question is which driver will have their hands on it come the FIA prize-giving in December. Monza is next up for the pair to see who will be crowned champion.
2015 Italian Grand Prix Mercedes Preview
No. 6 Nico Rosberg (DEU)
2015 Form: 2,8,2,1,2,1,1,3,2,3,2
2014 Italian Grand Prix: Grid P2, Race P2
Last year’s second-place was the German’s best result around here. It was his only podium, and only the fifth time Nico has finished in the points in nine outings. His previous best result was fifth-place in 2010. He has two retirements, in 2006 with a drive-shaft issue, and in 2011 in a first corner accident. Vitantonio Liuzzi collided with Heikki Kovalainen off the start, and slid down into Rettifilo, collecting and taking out Rosberg and Vitaly Petrov. With the birth of his baby girl, Rosberg will be hoping this energises his title fightback to Hamilton.
No. 44 Lewis Hamilton (GBR)
2015 Form: 1,6,1,2,1,3,2,1,1,2,1
2014 Italian Grand Prix: Grid P1, Race P1
Last year’s win was Hamilton’s second victory in Monza. His other win came in 2012, which was also a win from pole position. His other pole position came in 2009, but lost out to the Brawns at the pit-stops, and then crashed out on the final lap trying to catch them. He was still classified as finishing in 12th place. The following year saw his only recorded retirement here, as he was involved in a first lap collision with Felipe Massa at Roggia. The Brit has finished in the points in his other outings here, with a second-place in his rookie season.
This time last year, Rosberg headed into Monza 29 points ahead of Hamilton. It was at this point in championship that the Brit came back with six wins from the last seven races, and took the title in Abu Dhabi. This time out, the roles are reversed, and the German finds himself 28 points behind. Rosberg will be hoping for the same form that Hamilton showed at the latter part of last year if he is to overtake the Brit and claim the championship.
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