McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton wins Italian GP; Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso extends F1 lead

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Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, right, of Brazil, celebrates after clocking the third fastest time flanked by McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, of Britain, who set the pole position, after the qualifying practice session at the Monza Formula One circuit, in Monza, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

MONZA, Italy – McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, and Formula One leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari finished third to extend his overall lead.

Hamilton put speculation about his future and a possible switch to Mercedes behind him to claim his first victory at Monza and the 20th of his career.

It’s unlikely to have much impact on the championship after an impressive race from Alonso, much to the delight of the fans at Ferrari’s home track. Alonso had started from 10th on the grid after technical difficulties during qualifying.

Sergio Perez was second, 4.3 seconds behind Hamilton after starting 12th.

It was a miserable day for defending F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, had to retire with a mechanical problem.

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