Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton equaled Michael Schumacher's record of five Italian Grand Prix wins on Sunday and left Ferrari feeling the pain yet again in their own backyard.
The Mercedes driver and his Ferrari title rival Sebastian Vettel tangled at the fourth corner of the opening lap, with the German spinning around while the Briton sped off with an undamaged car.
Vettel then fought back through the field from 18th to fourth, ending the day 30 points behind Hamilton and with seven races remaining.
Vettel's veteran Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen finished second, after starting on pole position and racing superbly, with compatriot Valtteri Bottas third for Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates the victory on the podium at Autodromo di Monza on September 2, 2018. /VCG Photo
The thrilling victory was a fifth in a row for Mercedes at Monza, the former royal park near Milan.
"You are the man, you are the man," said Hamilton’s engineer Peter Bonnington over the radio as the chequered flag was waved. "You knocked that out of the park today."
"It was one of the most exciting of victories that I've had, that I can remember," Hamilton told reporters later.
For the Ferrari 'tifosi' it was a major let-down at the high-speed spiritual home of the sport's most glamorous and successful team, who last won there in 2010, and they did not hide their feelings.
"Today was so difficult. Whilst the negativity is never great, that's what powered me along. I actually accept it," said Hamilton, booed on the podium by the crowd flooding the main straight with their flares and flags.
"I love being here in Italy...the track is incredible, and it's a such an honor to win here in front of such a great crowd."
Mercedes' Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas (front) drives past Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel's car after Vettel crashed with Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton. /VCG Photo
While Vettel looked to be to blame for his own misfortune, he pointed the finger at Hamilton who had seen his chance and seized it in a move that could be crucial to the championship outcome.
"Lewis saw a little bit around the outside, but he didn't leave me any space," the German told Sky F1 television of the collision. "I had no other chance (but) to run into him and make contact."
"Sebastian Vettel cracked under pressure, it has to be said," commented 1996 world champion Damon Hill.
Hamilton's former teammate and 2016 champion Nico Rosberg said it was "100 percent Sebastian's fault. Lewis left him enough room."
Hamilton, who pitted later, passed the Finn again eight laps from the end.
"I think it (the car) was quick enough but unfortunately our rear tires went," said Raikkonen, who at least had a fitting location for his 100th podium in Formula One. "It was a losing battle from that point. We did our maximum."