Lewis Hamilton ends his wait for victory at Monaco Grand Prix

World champion Lewis Hamilton ended his six-months wait for a win on Sunday when he secured an unexpected and skilful victory for Mercedes in an incident-filled Monaco Grand Prix.

Taking full advantage of a bungled pit stop for his nearest rival, Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Hamilton drove supremely in mixed conditions to seize his first triumph in nine races since clinching his third title at the 2015 United States Grand Prix last October.

Ricciardo, who started from his maiden pole position, led until he pitted for slick tyres —that were not ready for him — after 32 laps and finally came home second, 7.2 seconds behind the three-time champion.

It was Hamilton’s second win on the famous Mediterranean street circuit, his first this season and the 44th of his career. It also repeated his 2008 triumph when he started third and won in wet conditions.

Mexican Sergio Perez finished third, 6.5 seconds behind a disconsolate Ricciardo, but ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany (Ferrari) and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Spain, who finished a superb fifth for McLaren on the 50th anniversary of their Formula One debut race in 1966.

Hamilton’s win kept alive his title defence and, with Rosberg off the podium, trimmed the leader’s advantage to 24 points, less than a single victory, in the title race.

“Thank God that today went as I’d hoped,” said Hamilton.

“A big thank you to the team. I’m kind of lost for words. I prayed for a day like this and it came through so I feel blessed.”

A furious Ricciardo struggled to control his feelings and his language. “I don’t even want to comment on the race,” he said. “Two weekends in a row now, I’ve been screwed. It sucks. It hurts.”