While the rest of us agonised along with Daniel Ricciardo, fearing that Lady Luck might desert him once again on the mean streets of Monaco, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were thinking about all the other things they could be doing on a Sunday afternoon, both claiming that Monaco was the most boring race ever.

"Thank God that's over," said the Mercedes driver over the radio on the cool-down lap, "that was the most boring race I've ever participated in."

Speaking in the subsequent press conference he elaborated.

"Our car is very long and struggled with the graining," he told reporters. "But to go away from here after such a long race, it felt like the longest race I've ever done probably, it was quite a long race! I'm looking forward to the following races, hopefully they'll be more fun."

While Ricciardo kept radio chatter to the minimum, probably fearing that each new message would bring further bad news, Hamilton gave a lap by lap account of the condition of his tyres to his crew only to be told that everyone else was encountering the same issues.

"We were just cruising around from lap six, maybe... literally cruising," said the world champion. "So it wasn't really racing.

"I mean, Daniel did a great job today, so I'm super happy for him, but ultimately we were all turned down and just cruising around, making sure we get to the end. Which, I don't know if that was exciting for you guys to watch. If it is, no problem.

"Ultimately we knew coming here was going to be difficult for us," he admitted. "It was a much, much better weekend than we had last year. I think collectively we did a good job. I think maybe a couple more tenths in qualifying, maybe it would have been second place, but we would have struggled to stay ahead of Sebastian."

Hamilton's views were shared by another world champion, Fernando Alonso, who retired 52 laps into the race with a transmission issue while running 8th.

"This is probably the most boring race ever," declared the Spaniard. "Without a safety car, without yellow flags, I think the sport needs to think a little bit about the show because this is very disappointing. Probably the most boring race ever in Formula One.

"I think we probably need to give something to the fans at the end of the race just to pay the ticket back a little," he added, a comment that will not go down well with F1 bosses.

This being the 65th Monaco Grand Prix, the basics of the circuit have changed little over those years. Indeed, Alonso believes it is the cars that are to blame.

"I think it's just Monaco, it's the way it is," he said. "I think it was quite boring without a safety car or anything. We just start in our qualifying position and we run until the chequered flag in that position."

Almost from the start, a number of drivers, including Hamilton asnd Nico Hulkenberg, complained about the overall pace which was being controlled by race-leader Daniel Ricciardo.

However, when it was subsequently learned that the Australian still managed to win, seeing off a few half-hearted efforts from Sebastian Vettel, despite being down around 25% down on power, many fans began to conclude that Hamilton and Alonso are right.

Check out our Sunday gallery from Monaco, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by TokyoAussie, 29/05/2018 3:08

"Monaco has been boring for decades. This "race' just highlighted that fact more than normal."

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2. Posted by Jol66, 28/05/2018 22:42

"Maybe Alonso and Hamilton can slam there cars into the barriers for us so the safety car comes out they both sound like petulant children Hamilton says he didn't push hard and Alonso said he was cruising after lap six or seven maybe if they pushed harder they might have created more excitement for themselves and fans it's not like you can't pass other cars on the track."

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3. Posted by Trixi, 28/05/2018 20:21

"The drivers/teams are to blame. Why didn’t they take a chance and come in to change their tires and see what they could do? Oh no, that would make the race interesting. They were not going to let the likes of Ocon get on Monaco podium; or have one of the younger teams get in front. Or, God forbid, let Max beat them!
So, go to your safe place, Lewis. And, too bad, Alonso, you couldn’t drive at Indy this year. Seems that car was promised to Wilson.

"

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4. Posted by BillH, 28/05/2018 18:48

"I agree with other posters regarding the boring race.
It should not be that I'm looking to see if 10th is up for grabs (Hartley was 11th) as there isn't anything happening further up of interest.
Well done to Ricciardo and Red Bull however if the other Red Bull only makes it to 9th and is clearly a lot faster than the rest then it doesn't say much for the venue.
The F2 Races were better to watch and often are.
Maybe F1 should have a sprint and feature race? That would be double points up for grabs but could result in two processions."

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5. Posted by MVR, 28/05/2018 17:26

"The fact that Vettel could not overtake a car with a 25% reduction in power speaks volumes about tyre wear management and the track. It says nothing about Ricciardo's skill, which I am sure he has in plenty.

Anywhere else, both Vettel and Hamilton, and possibly a few others, would have passed him."

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6. Posted by Pete, 28/05/2018 14:43

"Grand Prix? I didn't see one! I saw a "Grand Procession" and had to read a book to stay awake. The powers that be keep blaming the cars but this track is a joke. The fact that someone can be down 25% on their horsepower and still win is ridiculous! "

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7. Posted by CL, 28/05/2018 9:10

"Great driving by Daniel R to stay ahead, a little sad that Vettel wasn't able to challenge, never mind overtake someone running at 75% power, but this is a driver skill & car balance circuit, and it seems Dan had more of both."

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