15 years ago, Lewis Hamilton became the youngest winner in Monaco

The Monaco Grand Prix is ​​undoubtedly the most prestigious race in the world championship. Formula 1, but winning a principality is a feat. On May 25, 2008, the driver was no longer just a Grand Prix winner, he became a winner in Monaco, in the streets which built the legend of his idol Ayrton Senna, six times winner in Monte-Carlo. 

On a street circuit and even more so on the Rock, qualifying is a highly decisive exercise, as it is so difficult to overtake on Sunday. At the wheel of the McLaren, Hamilton managed to secure the second row, behind the duo Ferrari composed of Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen, respectively 1st and 2nd on the grid. An honorable performance from the native of Stevenage (Great Britain), two months after his first pole of the season obtained near Melbourne. 

Lewis Hamilton, a mixed start to the race

On Sunday, the rain came to the party, forcing the drivers to set off with rain tires. When the lights went out, Ron Dennis' protégé swallowed Iceman's Ferrari from the first turn. The Brazilian, for his part, managed to maintain his pole position advantage. For Hamilton, half the job was done, he just had to pursue Massa. 

However, the Briton made a mistake on the 6th lap, due to a slight collision with the rail at the tobacconist, slightly damaging his right rear wheel. Lewis was therefore forced to return to the pits, where he emerged in 5th position. At that precise moment, victory seemed very far away. How to overtake on this winding Monaco route? What's more, in the rain... 

On the eighth lap, David Coulthard missed Massenet and Sebastien Bourdais couldn't avoid him behind. This accident then triggered the exit of the safety car, while Kimi Räikkönen received a drive through penalty, for having mounted his tires too late on the grid. Hamilton was then once again in contention for the podium. 

Lewis Hamilton leads the race / @DPPI

Youngest winner in Monaco

As the laps continued, the leaders began to return to the pits to refuel. First Robert Kubica, then Felipe Massa. Lewis Hamilton then took the lead of the Grand Prix, before stopping around twenty laps later. His very good pace during his stint allowed him to achieve the overcut, thanks to the comfortable lead he had taken. He came out at the head of the peloton. Nico Rosberg's accident at the Esses exit from the swimming pool triggered a new safety car. Despite everything, the McLaren driver remained in the lead of the race, and took his first victory in the streets of Monaco.

At 23 years, 4 months and 18 days, he became the youngest winner in the principality ahead of Max Verstappen (23 years 7 months and 23 days) and Sebastian Vettel (23 years, 10 months and 26 days). That same year, Lewis Hamilton won his first Formula 1 world champion title, after a final dantesque lap at Interlagos at the expense of Felipe Massa and Ferrari. 

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