Lewis Hamilton described his Mercedes as a "dream" to drive after securing his sixth victory of the year at the Italian Grand Prix, claiming the championship lead as a result.

The Briton was undisturbed as he eased to the chequered flag at Monza, the fourth time he was won at the 'Temple of Speed' and perhaps the most euphoric as he comprehensively beat Ferrari in their own back yard.

Though the Anglo-German team were expected to be favourites, the 36-second margin between himself and Sebastian Vettel, surprised many, particularly as Mercedes went into engine saving mode quite with around 30 laps to go. 

“I'm happy. We did a great job, the team did an exceptional job this weekend,” Hamilton gleamed afterwards. “Valtteri also did a great job. We owe it all to them.”

Asked what was the key to the success, he added: “I think it's all just to do with the team pulling together and trying to maximise everything from the car, and Valtteri and myself doing the best job we can with the car but today the car was fantastic and really a dream to drive.”

Though the race is significant in that Hamilton now becomes the hunted rather than the hunter in the title battle, he doesn't see his dominant win on Sunday as the re-emergence of Mercedes as the outright front-runners.

"The last two races have been incredibly strong. We've just gone from strength to strength," said Hamilton. "The car felt fantastic. It's still close and a long way to go. Ferrari should be quick at the next circuit with the extra downforce they can put on their car so the fight continues.

"Ferrari might be a little bit quicker when we get to the tracks where you can add downforce. It will continue to be really close."

One thing about Hamilton and Vettel is they have both become polarising figures as a result of the success in the careers sometimes and, perhaps unsurprisingly given Ferrari's defeat, some in the partisan crowd didn't welcome the 32-year-old's victory with boos heard while on the podium.

Lewis wasn't too fussed by them, however, stating: “You know what? I love it here in Italy and I love the passion of the fans, particularly the Ferrari fans. They're fantastic. This energy is like nowhere else we see, except for maybe Silverstone. I respect it, I appreciate it.”

He did end with one little dig at his main rivals, though claiming: “Mercedes power is definitely better than Ferrari power. It worked well this weekend…"