Monaco Grand Prix 2014: Lewis Hamilton chases the dream of five wins in a row

Championship leader looking to continue Mercedes' dominance in the Principality

‘I honestly never expected to win four consecutive grands prix,’ admitted Lewis Hamilton (Getty Images)

Formula One desperately needs a different winner at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend to maintain any semblance of suspense.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes for his fifth straight win with the season taking on an air of inevitability, just like last season when Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull dominated with crushing ease, winning the last nine races and 13 from 19 overall.

Mercedes cannot be matched for speed and Hamilton looks like he could beat even those numbers, with four-time defending champion Vettel rapidly drifting out of contention.

"The last few races have been just incredible. I honestly never expected I'd win four consecutive grands prix in my career, and I'd love to continue that run here," Hamilton said. "The car has been strong at every race so far, and I'm sure it'll be the same in Monaco, so we should be set for an entertaining weekend."

Although Hamilton leads team-mate Nico Rosberg by only three points in the standings, that is because Hamilton retired from the season-opening Australian GP with engine trouble. Rosberg won in Melbourne, so Mercedes have won every race so far. It looks like being a straight contest between the two team-mates as to who wins the title.

"The championship battle is very close, and to regain the advantage at my home race would be fantastic," said Rosberg, who grew up in Monaco and won his maiden Formula One race here last year. "So I'll be pushing harder than ever to make that happen."

Vettel is down in fourth spot overall, and already 55 points behind Hamilton, the 2008 champion. His more realistic contest is getting the better of his new team-mate, Daniel Ricciardo, who is just six points behind him.

AP