
Lewis Hamilton has no regrets about his post-Monaco fury a year ago but concedes to being "older, wiser and more mature" as a result.
Hamilton conjured one of last season's most famous quotes after being ordered to remain behind then McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, despite being undoubtedly quicker.
After finishing second to Alonso after 78 punishing laps around the streets of the Principality, an unhappy Hamilton stated: "I've number two on my car, and I'm the number two driver."
In many respects it was the spark that lit the touchpaper to the feud that initially simmered between the duo, before exploding in spectacular fashion later in the season.
Looking back one year on, Hamilton fully appreciates why he was told not to attack the Spaniard, but feels he was right to speak out and press home his claims for equal rights.
"I was happy that I was on the podium. It was a great finish, it was great for the team," reflected the 23-year-old.
"At the time I wanted to win because it is one of the most special races there is. Looking back, the team did the right thing, but I don't have any regrets with regard to what I did or said last year.
"As a team player, at the end of the day we finished one-two and scored some points.
"It was the right decision because if something had have happened then it would have been a disaster, so I was happy for the team.
"So right now, I would say I'm older, wiser and more mature for the event."
There was no doubting Hamilton's frustration at the time, with the Briton forced to stare at the rear end of Alonso's McLaren nearly all race.
"You learn a lot when you are behind someone," insisted Hamilton.
"I just had to look at it and say 'I'm here in Formula One, it is my first Monaco Grand Prix and if I don't win it I'm still second on the podium'.
"I had to be happy with that. I think anyone would have been happy with that.
"At the end of the day I learned how to keep the car on the track, and throughout the race you improve.
"You also learn more and more about the circuit, so coming here I should hopefully be in a better position."
Hamilton is determined to go one better than last year, believing it takes a certain kind of courage to emerge victorious.
"Everyone knows at this track the driver has more of an influence, that he can get more out of the car by being more on the edge," assessed Hamilton, who trails championship leader Kimi Raikkonen by seven points ahead of Sunday's race.
"I think every circuit we go to the driver can make a difference, but here it can mean a much bigger difference as it is so narrow, so tight.
"It's about the driver with the biggest balls who can get closest to the barriers.
"I remember last year's race, exiting the swimming pool (complex) I touched the barrier nearly every lap with my front wing or my tyre chasing down Fernando.
"I do feel to be on the limit, to get pole position, to be out front, to be the fastest, you have to use every inch of the road.
"Some people might be a foot or two feet away (from the barriers), but I'm not. So fingers crossed it will work this weekend."


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