Lewis Hamilton has been backed to eclipse the achievements of motor racing's late king of Monaco, Ayrton Senna.

Hamilton produced the drive of his life to win Sunday's race around the streets of the Principality.

Starting from third on the grid, the McLaren star's victory was made all the more remarkable as he punctured his right-rear tyre early on after sliding into a barrier due to the wet conditions.

What followed was a masterful display of driving, full of pace, aggression and control when required that would have made his hero proud.

In the 59 years of the Formula One world championship, only Sir Jackie Stewart has managed to win at Monaco in fewer races.

Hamilton took the chequered flag in his 23rd grands prix compared to the Scot's 11, while Senna had to wait until his 51st race, the first of his six wins overall on the world's most famous circuit.

Assessing Hamilton's majestic display that enabled him to reclaim the lead in the drivers' standings, McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh feels the 23-year-old has what it takes to rule Monaco for years to come.

"Lewis has won here in Formula 3, GP2, and now F1," claimed Whitmarsh.

"That was actually his third win at Monaco, so in his four races here he has won three times and been second once.

"That's not a bad record at Monaco is it? So yes, he can go on and do what Ayrton did here. He loves the place.

"He's a great, great racer, and he did what he had to do - a fantastic job.

"There was one slight blemish when he clipped the wall, but we made it work for us.

"When he went back out he was in fifth place with a very heavy fuel load, but he was able to keep it on the road and be quick, and that's what won him the race.

"Lewis was in control and probably less nervy than the rest of us."

Whitmarsh feels the victory was crucial for McLaren's championship cause this season after Ferrari had reeled off four straight wins, ending their momentum.

"It was an important win to stop Ferrari," reflected Whitmarsh.

"We're six races in, and we have to make sure we're stamping some authority on these races, so it was fantastic.

"For all the drivers and the team, there is still something very special about winning in Monaco, and the timing of it was also important.

"We're leading the drivers' championship now, which is the one we want, and we always believed we could anyway.

"We've been saying for some time the race now is who can develop their car at the fastest rate.

"We're not discounting BMW who are still strong. They're doing a competent job.

"But Ferrari are going to continue to improve, we're going to continue to improve, and if we can improve at a faster rate then hopefully we can win the championship."

Next up for the F1 circus is the scene of Hamilton's first win a year ago, the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

Hamilton will again be the man to beat, with Whitmarsh adding: "We have been quite good there in the past.

"It was obviously Lewis' first win, and I'm sure he'll be looking to repeat it.

"He's got a bit of momentum, and he's in great shape."

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