Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lewis laments his ‘most boring race’
LEWIS Hamilton has called on Monaco’s organisers to ring the changes after lamenting yesterday’s processional affair as the “most boring race” of his career.
Daniel Ricciardo nursed his wounded Red Bull home, while Sebastian Vettel moved to within 14 points of Hamilton after finishing one place ahead of his rival in second.
Ricciardo was down on power for much of the race after engine gremlins struck with 50 laps remaining. However, the Australian never came under threat at a circuit where overtaking is, and always has been, virtually impossible. Indeed, the top six crossed the line in the order they qualified.
“Thankfully that’s over,” Hamilton said on the Mercedes’ radio at the conclusion of the grand prix. “That was the most boring race I’ve ever participated in.”
Hamilton, 33, later said: “We were just cruising around from lap six, literally cruising, so it wasn’t really racing. Monaco has the biggest build-up and it is the most special race of the year, but Formula One needs to apply a different schedule here. From a racing driver’s point of view, we were never pushing.
“It was insane how little I was pushing. I was 10 seconds behind but I was conflicted because, in my heart, I wanted to win this race but the team just asked me to bring the car home.”
Hamilton added: “What can we do to make this one better? I spoke to Prince Albert the other day and said maybe we should make it longer. There are more roads, so maybe we can change this great track and make it even better.
“Or maybe the format should change. You shouldn’t be able to do a one-stop race here. There has to be some mixed-up things. Maybe we need two races?”
Hamilton was not alone in his view, with Fernando Alonso, a former winner at Monte Carlo and double world champion, also taking aim at the “disappointing” spectacle.
“This was probably the most boring race ever,” Alonso, who retired in the closing stages, said.
“The sport needs to think a little bit about the show because this is very disappointing.
“We probably need to give something to the fans at the end of the race just to pay back the ticket.”
Hamilton could yet be joined by Ricciardo at Mercedes next year. His contract is up for renewal at the end of the season and he did little to harm his credentials in what must be considered the finest all-round display of his career.