Hamilton shuns the royal party but he still turns out for the workers

Hamilton, who accelerated into the lead in the world championship with his triumph on the streets of Monte Carlo, declined his invitation once he knew Monaco's ruler, Prince Albert II, would not be there to host the dinner because of Mosley's possible presence.

Trappings of glory: Hamilton triumphs in Monaco

"I wouldn't have given him a chance to win the race after he hit the wall," said Stewart. "After that, he did a remarkable job, as did the team in the decisions they took. In those conditions, it was no easy matter for Lewis to win."

Stewart, however, warned that Hamilton is still a student in just his second season in F1.

"I keep reminding people not to ask too much too soon of Lewis," he said.

Yet last weekend, the smiles that Hamilton brought to his jubilant engineers and mechanics in the rain-splashed harbourside in Monte Carlo, as well as to millions watching at home on television, illustrated the hold he is developing on Formula One.

"It's incredible to think this is only the beginning of Lewis's career," said Hill. "He could be doing this for another 10 years."

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:

1 L Hamilton (Great Britain, McLaren) 38
2 K Raikkonen (Finland, Ferrari) 35
3 F Massa (Brazil, Ferrari) 34
4 R Kubica (Poland, BMW Sauber) 32
5 N Heidfeld (Germany, BMW Sauber) 20
6 H Kovalainen (Finland, McLaren) 15
7 M Webber (Australia, Red Bull) 15
8 J Trulli (Italy, Toyota) 9
9 F Alonso (Spain, Renault) 9
10 N Rosberg (Germany, Williams-Toyota) 8