Hakkinen saw shades of Lauda in Hamilton's Monaco drive

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Mika Hakkinen says Lewis Hamilton's 77th Grand Prix win was achieved in true Lauda-style, the Mercedes driver pulling out all the stops in Monaco to defend his position against runner-up Max Verstappen.

Following his victory in the Principality, Hamilton said he had been spurred on in the closing stages of the event by the spirit of Niki Lauda who passed away last week at the age of 70.

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"His [Lauda's] last victory in Formula 1 came at the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix when he had to keep McLaren team-mate Alain Prost behind him by positioning the car to defend at each corner, and then making sure he was fast enough on the quick sections," Hakkinen wrote in his UniBet column.

"This is exactly what Lewis had to do on Sunday in order to keep Max behind.

"In true Niki Lauda-style, he did exactly what was needed, positioning his car in the middle of the track to defend from Verstappen, and then making sure he got the acceleration onto the two fastest parts of the track - the pit straight and the tunnel under the Fairmont Hotel.

"This was a mature drive, and a victory Hamilton really had to fight for."

While Hakkinen was impressed with Hamilton's impeccable defensive driving against Verstappen, the two-time world champion was equally amazed by the Red Bull driver's efforts.

"It was fantastic to watch how hard Max was pushing Lewis during the final 20 laps of the race, with Sebastian just behind in third place and clearly waiting to see what would happen!

"Max was really pushing flat out, and it was good that he tried to overtake Lewis, even if the timing of his overtaking attempt at the chicane was a little late.

"It kept the spectators entertained, but ultimately Lewis was always going to stay in front."

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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.