Hamilton feeling the love again amid Monaco motivation

THE sparkle was back in Lewis Hamilton’s eyes yesterday as he finally rekindled his love affair with Formula One.

Since the ‘lie-gate’ scandal erupted following an Australian Grand Prix from which he was disqualified, the world champion has been a distant, troubled figure.

A McLaren car far from worthy of the number one status it carries has not helped his cause, nor his demeanour that on occasion has been distinctly off-hand.

But what a difference returning to Monaco has made to Hamilton, a venue and a circuit like no other, one the 24-year-old has adored over the years, and has now helped him rediscover his passion for F1.

In a car suited to its tight, twisty nature, Hamilton finished the day second quickest overall, arguably threatening a repeat of last year’s success here, one of the highlights of his career.

With a smile creasing his lips, a happy-again Hamilton said: “That’s from Monaco.

“I love driving this circuit, it’s a spectacular thing. You can never compare it to any other circuit you go to, or any other experience.

“It reminds me of just how much I love racing, love driving and why I love Formula One.”

Hamilton, sporting the number one on top of his helmet made from diamonds, is naturally cautious about his chances of shining on Sunday.

“It’s definitely exciting to be back (at the front) again,” added Hamilton.

“We didn’t really know what to expect, but after this morning and afternoon, we genuinely do have quite good pace.

“It definitely gives me a better fighting chance for this weekend in terms of getting the car further up (the grid), to get more out of it, but the others look very strong.

“I’m hoping to shoot for P5 (in qualifying), something like that would be respectable. If we can do even better, then it would be fantastic.”

“But I’m optimistic, and I’m going to remain that way, although we’ve some work to do to make a couple of steps forward for the future.”

It prompted the question that maybe even Jenson Button, winner of four of this season’s five grands prix, is beatable this weekend.

“I think everyone is beatable,” said Hamilton. “Anyone can do a quick lap over one single lap, but it’s how you do it over a period of time,” added Hamilton.

“At least we definitely look much more competitive this weekend.”

But as to whether he is genuinely back in business, it prompted an honest reply with the high-speed circuits of Istanbul’s Otodrom and Silverstone to come next month.

“I wouldn’t say that, no,” responded Hamilton when asked.

Beyond his remit of simply driving the car, the bigger political picture continues to rumble on behind the scenes as Ferrari wage war with the FIA over next year’s proposed budget cap regulation.

As Hamilton points out, it is a situation out of his hands, but one he still has a vested interest in, recognising it “isn’t good for the sport”.

“It doesn’t really matter what I think about it,” viewed Hamilton.

“They are going to make their decision at some stage. I just have to focus on my job.”