The glittering streets of Monte Carlo witnessed another chapter in Formula 1’s storied history this weekend, but for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix ended in bitter disappointment. Despite putting up a determined fight throughout the race, Hamilton crossed the finish line in fifth place, a result that left him visibly frustrated and reflective after the checkered flag waved.
The Monaco GP is a race unlike any other on the F1 calendar. Known for its narrow streets, tight corners, and the unforgiving nature of its barriers, overtaking is a luxury rarely afforded—even for the most seasoned drivers. And this year’s edition proved to be no exception. While expectations for Hamilton and Mercedes were cautiously optimistic heading into the weekend, the final result didn’t align with the hopes of the team or its star driver.
Speaking to the media post-race, Hamilton didn’t hold back about his dissatisfaction.
“I gave it everything I had today,” he said. “The car felt okay, but we just didn’t have the pace to challenge the front runners. It’s frustrating because Monaco is all about qualifying, and when you can’t start higher up, you’re already on the back foot.”
Hamilton, who started from sixth on the grid, gained one position during the race due to pit strategy and a retirement ahead, but he was largely stuck in a train of cars for most of the 78-lap contest. The inability to make headway or launch a meaningful attack left the Brit visibly agitated in his post-race interviews.
“We need to find more speed—there’s no way around it,” he said. “The team’s been working hard, but we’re still lacking that extra bit that makes the difference in races like this.”
While Mercedes brought some upgrades to Monaco, the tight nature of the circuit made it difficult to truly assess the gains. The Silver Arrows looked more competitive than they had at the start of the season, but still fell short of challenging the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Team Principal Toto Wolff also acknowledged Hamilton’s disappointment, stating:
“Lewis drove a solid race, but we weren’t able to give him the machinery to fight further forward. We’ll go back, analyze the data, and try to deliver something stronger for Canada.”
This isn’t the first time Hamilton has left Monaco feeling disillusioned. The track has brought him both triumph and heartbreak over the years, and while he remains a master at extracting the most from difficult circumstances, this race seemed to underscore the larger performance gap Mercedes still faces in the current F1 pecking order.
Despite the setback, Hamilton remains focused on the bigger picture.
“We keep our heads down and keep pushing,” he said. “There’s still a long season ahead, and I know what this team is capable of. We just need to unlock it.”
As the paddock packs up and prepares for the next round in Canada, one thing is clear—Lewis Hamilton is hungrier than ever, and the frustration of Monaco may just be the fuel he needs to mount a stronger comeback.