Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Monaco Dream, Embraces Challenges

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his journey in Monaco ahead of this weekend's 81st Monaco Grand Prix. Recalling his first visit to the principality as a 13-year-old, Hamilton was struck by the event's history and grandeur.

"I really felt the place and its history," Hamilton said. "As I came through the tunnel, I remembered Ayrton (Senna) from watching it on TV as a kid. It felt surreal to think that I am now one of the 22 to do it - and that I have been doing it for so long."

Hamilton's dream of racing in Monaco became a reality when he won the Grand Prix three times - in 2008, 2016, and 2019. He also purchased an apartment and now resides in the Mediterranean principality.

"I raced here the first time when I was 18 or 19," Hamilton added. "In Formula Three, it was epic. I had a rented scooter and was running around town. It was really epic for me. And then, I got to go on the grid, and it was crazy because I had only ever seen Martin Brundle there."

Despite the recent struggles of his Mercedes team, Hamilton remains enthusiastic about driving and is eager to perform well in Monaco.

"We don't have any upgrades this weekend," Hamilton said. "The package was spread over the last two races. We have our highest downforce package and an evolved wing, but otherwise, I don't know where we'll be."

"But I am more excited than I have been with the previous two cars. They were not so great. This one is a real work in progress and it's much better than last year."

Hamilton emphasized the complexities of racing in Monaco, including the need to consider factors such as ride height, balance, weight distribution, cambers, and tows. He expressed optimism about the potential of his car and his team's ability to improve.

"I hope we just hit the ground running and we don't look back," Hamilton said. "But this car is more predictable and it is nice to drive. It's not perfect, but we are going in the right direction."

Tags: #LewisHamilton, #MonacoGrandPrix, #FormulaOne, #Racing, #Mercedes