The Mercedes driver laughed, but seemed uncertain, he replied: “I believe mastering Italian is the most difficult, perhaps. However, darn, at the moment, reaching a podium is probably the least likely.”
Hamilton is in his final season with Mercedes before joining the Italian manufacturer Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time Formula 1 champion has not won a race for Mercedes since the penultimate race of the 2021 season, and the 39-year-old British driver has not achieved a position better than sixth in the first seven races of this season.
Furthermore, Hamilton’s podium drought extends to 10 races, dating back to last year. It could potentially be 11 after the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, where starting from pole position is crucial on a narrow and twisty 3.3-kilometer street circuit that makes overtaking extremely difficult.
Considering Mercedes’ lack of speed compared to their competitors, securing pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session in Monaco seems highly unlikely. Hamilton has not started higher than seventh on the grid this year and currently sits in eighth place in the overall standings.
It’s a big change from his successful days with Mercedes, but no concerning numbers can diminish the intense joy he still feels when racing in the charming Principality.
“Monaco has a special place unlike any other street circuit,” expressed Hamilton. “When you’re going through the tunnel and realize that Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, along with all the legends before you, have passed through there. It’s really surreal to think that today I am one of the 20 drivers who have the opportunity to do this.”
“I came here for the first time when I was 13 and it really opened my eyes. It became a dream. I thought, ‘Ok, this is the most stunning place I have ever been. This is where I want to live,'” Hamilton recalled. “When I drove here for the first time at 18 or 19, I believe it was during my time in Formula 3. I rented a small scooter and explored the city. It was absolutely extraordinary.”
Many years later, with an impressive record of 103 race wins and 104 pole positions in F1, Hamilton’s adoration for street circuits remains as strong as ever, even though he is no longer considered one of the leaders.
“They are much more intense, much more demanding,” he remarked. “They involve more risks and give you chills.” (Report by Jerome Pugmire)
© 2024
