Hakkinen defends much-maligned Monaco GP

Two-time Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen has launched a staunch defence of the Monaco Grand Prix after this year's race was criticised by drivers and fans alike. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton were the most vocal critics of the race, which featured very few overtakes.

Save for Max Verstappen cutting his way through the field to ninth from the back of the grid, there was little to get excited about, as Daniel Ricciardo held off Sebastian Vettel to win, despite engine trouble.

Monaco's tight streets make passing difficult, although they often add a layer of peril for the drivers. However, the safety car was not called upon, with Charles Lecerc and Brendon Hartley's late crash only prompting a Virtual Safety Car.

READ MORE: Proof Monaco GP is getting WORSE
READ MORE: Alonso wants fans refunded after 'boring' Monaco GP

Hamilton said he would have been sent to sleep watching the procession, while Alonso called for fans to be refunded.

However, Hakkinen - a winner in Monte Carlo in 1998 - says the race suitably satisfied his thirst for drama.

"I know that some drivers and fans have said that Sunday's race was boring because it is so difficult to overtake," Hakkinen wrote for Unibet.

"However, the challenge of driving in Monte Carlo is much more about the precision required to drive a Formula 1 car flat out for 78 laps around such a tight and twisty track, where any error will put you in the barrier.

"At this event you are fighting the track rather than another driver; it demands 100% concentration and focus.

"The happy look on Ricciardo's face on Sunday evening reminded me of my win in Monaco in 1998.

"On any other track, this performance would have been impossible, but in Monaco maximum power is not as important, and it is a very difficult track on which to overtake.

"If you position your car carefully on the track, it becomes impossible for the guy behind to go for it."