F1: Ferrari are a step back, says Mercedes boss Wolff

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team believe Ferrari have taken a step backwards in the battle for the Formula One title after Sebastian Vettel was knocked off the championship summit for the first time this year at the Italian Grand Prix

Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team believe Ferrari have taken a step backwards in the battle for the Formula One title after Sebastian Vettel was knocked off the championship summit for the first time this year at the Italian Grand Prix.

Hamilton toasted his victory on Ferrari's home turf in Monza — his second triumph in what could prove a pivotal eight days in this year's title battle — with a beer from his Monte Carlo apartment on Sunday night before skateboarding through the streets of his adopted home town.

The Englishman is now three points clear of Vettel 'Embarrassing for Ferrari' Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of Ferrari described the difference between his team and Mercedes as "embarrassing". "Emotions run high and when you have a bad day you can't hide it, so I can understand his feelings," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in response to Marchionne's comments.

"For me it looks like Ferrari have taken a step back this weekend. I think we were very solid, but they have not performed in the way everybody expected.

'Prancing Horse out of sync'
"The Red Bull started towards the back of the grid and almost finished third which suggests something was out of sync here, and something was not how it should have been."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!