Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the challenges and demands of the iconic Monaco GP, admitting he was too tired to even celebrate his latest victory in F1’s ‘most exhausting’ race, which he describes as a “lottery”.

In a Sky Sports F1 A special reflection on Hamilton’s memories in Monaco – part of our exceptional coverage this weekend – the seven-time world champion also talks about his desire to add to his three capital victories.

F1’s exciting 2022 season heads to Monte Carlo for round six, with Hamilton one of 20 drivers preparing for the ultimate test around the tightest street circuits as barriers loom at peril.

“It’s unique and probably one of the most intense weekends,” admitted Hamilton in the Sky Sports F1 exclusive. “The desire and the will to win are rekindled.”

Hamilton, who only enters the weekend sixth in the championship for Mercedes, added that after beating Max Verstappen to victory in 2019 he was too exhausted to even enjoy the day.

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Ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix, check out some of Monaco’s best previous races.

“Mentally and psychologically, it’s probably the most exhausting [race]“, he explained. “Because it’s so narrow, so fast, so short between turns.

“The other street circuits… Baku is a bit wider. This track is literally, barrier, barrier, barrier. It’s less physical, just mentally you’re completely drunk afterwards!”

“When I won that race with Max behind me, I couldn’t enjoy the rest of the night. I had to go home and go to bed…I was so mentally drained!

“All my friends have been texting me, ‘are you going out to celebrate?’ I was like…I’m just exhausted!”

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Esteban Ocon says Monaco’s old-school characteristics are why the Monte Carlo track must remain on the F1 calendar.

Hamilton: Rosberg introduced me to Monaco | Stars must line up to win F1 ‘lottery’

The special feature offers Hamilton’s unique insight into Monaco and it will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 ahead of Friday’s practice sessions, while a shorter version will also be part of our qualifying build-up on Saturday.

In it, Hamilton also reveals that he was first introduced to Monaco, where he now resides, by former teammate Nico Rosberg, who he fell out with during an incredible title rivalry in 2016.

“I only went to Monaco when I was 13,” says Hamilton. “I was invited by Nico. We were kart racing together in Italy, he was kart racing for another team at the time but we ended up being friends. They invited me to Monaco where he grew up and I remember being there at the time and thinking, ‘wow, this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen’.

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After suffering a first lap puncture, Lewis Hamilton recovered to finish fifth as Mercedes continued their improvement in the sixth race of the season.

“I would say this trip opened my eyes to what was possible. I was like, ‘one day I want to live here’. This whole place… I thought that’s why I’m going to work hard, to get there eventually. I don’t take it for granted.

Hamilton, who details how he was “so nervous” for the Monte-Carlo weekend, is a three-time winner in Monaco, three behind his hero Ayrton Senna and two behind Michael Schumacher.

“When I think of Monaco, of course I think of Ayrton and Michael,” he said. “But my perspective is a little different now. I don’t think I’m up there with all the greats…it’s a track where there are so many elements and so many things have to line up to win this race. .”

Hamilton adds: “It’s just a Grand Prix lottery. You have to be lucky, you have to position yourself correctly in all parts, from practice, qualifying, setup, putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.

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Guenther Steiner says Haas is focused on qualifying ahead of the Monaco GP and the team will have no problem finishing the season after F1’s escalating costs.

“There are so many more elements and I think everything is amplified, this course, more than any other course.

“It’s an iconic course. I feel like I’ve had the ability to win it more often like so many riders have, but I just consider myself very lucky to have had the three wins I have there and I ‘I would like to extend it to four… I will try.