Sebastian Vettel cruised to his sixth victory of the season and third of his career at the Monza circuit. The Red Bull driver claimed his 40^th pole position yesterday and took that momentum to the top of the podium largely uncontested. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso claimed second place, followed by Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber in a strong third.

It is the third time this year the Red Bull team has finished with both drivers on the podium and is Webber’s first at Monza. It also marks his final Italian race before moving to Porsche’s sports car program at the end of the season.

Helping secure an extra 12 points in hopes of retaining his seat with Ferrari next year, Alonso’s teammate Felipe Massa finished in fourth position.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton dropped back considerably in the championship hunt, finishing in ninth for just two points after starting back in 12th. He suffered pit radio problems throughout the race, and was involved in a tight battle in the latter stages with Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen, who finished 11^th and out of the points for the second straight race after retiring last round at Spa. The two drivers sit third and fourth in the championship with 141 and 134 points, respectively.

Webber’s 15-point finish also closes the gap on the two drivers in the hunt for third. After today, he sits just four points back of Raikkonen and 11 from Hamilton.

The win gives Vettel a commanding lead in the championship over Alonso, 222 points to 169. It also extends Red Bull’s points in the constructors’ championship to over 100 points, leading Ferrari 352 to 248. After Hamilton’s performance and Nico Rosberg’s sixth-place finish, Mercedes fell to third with 245 points.

The Italian Grand Prix marks the final European race before the series moves to Singapore September 20-22. It is expected Ferrari will announce its 2014 driver decision before that point, with Raikkonen, Massa, and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg all linked to the available seat. 

PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS