Hamilton cautious, but not discarding a win on Sunday

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Lewis Hamilton knows Mercedes and himself will be up against fierce competition this weekend in Monaco, but the reigning world champion doesn't see a win as an insurmountable task.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has repeatedly played down the Silver Arrows team's chances in the Prinicpality, suggesting Mercedes dominant win in Barcelona was the result of its track suiting its W09.

Hamilton will be fighting for a third career win in Monte Carlo, but the Red Bull and Ferrari opposition likely won't make that feat an easy task.

Sainz predicts Monaco qualifying will be 'absolute madness'

“We’ll find out tomorrow the true pace and identity of what we arrive here with – but I’m excited for that challenge,” he said on Thursday.

“If you look at last year, there were overcast and undercuts so anything is possible.

“I think we’re confident with our preparation. I think it’s been better than before."

Hamilton is particularly wary of Red Bull, the qualities of its RB14 well-suited to the tight and twisty layout along the French Riviera.

“We came from the last race knowing this was going to be one of the tougher races for us if you look at the last race and the testing in February, the Red Bulls were particularly quick in the last sector so you can imagine that they’re going to be incredibly quick this weekend.

“It’s surprising on previous years because Ferrari were very strong but for whatever reason Red Bull didn’t get it together. Maybe this weekend they will.

“I do anticipate it’s going to be a difficult weekend but not an impossible one.

“It’s a lot closer and we may not have the pace of the others.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.