Lewis Hamilton Triumphed in Monaco GP; Force India Grabbed Podium

Lewis Hamilton triumphed in Monaco GP as Force India's Sergio Perez contested a brilliant race for the final step of the podium

Lewis Hamilton 2016 Monaco GP

The Monaco Grand Prix, fondly called as the crowned jewel of Formula One, started as an emotional weekend as it was the first time since the late Jules Bianchi was announced speeding heaven’s way. This was the very place where he took two points for Marussia that ensured their future in the pinnacle of motorsport last season.

With emotions running deep, fittingly Jules’ close associate Daniel Ricciardo claimed pole position for Red Bull. The street track was flooded with water because of the persistent rain through the night and as a result the race was started behind the safety car for the first time in history.

Lewis Hamilton 2016 Monaco GP 1

The safety car was called in at the end of lap seven leading to a topsy-turvy shootout till the end. Ricciardo initially led the way from championship leader Nico Rosberg and his team-mate Lewis Hamilton. At the first round of stops, Hamilton elected to stay out while Ricciardo pitted for fresh rubber.

The Australian retained the lead on Lap 31 as Hamilton’s tyres were wearing out while Rosberg endured Brake temperature issues and was never in contention for a podium finish. During the second round of stops though drama kicked in as Ricciardo waited in the pitbox losing crucial seconds due to team error.

2016 Monaco GP Sergio perez force india podium

Capitalising on his misfortunes, Hamilton emerged in the lead when the Red Bull driver exited pits and was able to keep him at bay throughout the remaining parts of the race as the streets of Monaco are notoriously difficult to overtake. Force India’s Sergio Perez drove a sublime race that saw his execute tyre strategies to perfection and fend off Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari.

Alongside the podium, Nico Hulkenberg topped off a brilliant race by sticking a last gasp move on the struggling Rosberg. Thus a total of 30 points were mastered by the Silverstone-based outfit. Another double points finish came courtesy of McLaren as Fernando Alonso finished fifth and Jenson Button came home ninth.

With the victory, Hamilton reduced the deficit to championship topper Nico Rosberg by 24 points. It is worth nothing that this is his first win since clinching third world title last year at Austin.

Image Source: Mercedes F1 AMG and Force India Twitter Pages

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