Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton remains confident he can win the World Championship this year despite enduring a difficult Monaco Grand Prix.

The Brit never managed to get things up and running in Monte Carlo, failing to make it through Q2 in qualifying before finishing seventh in the race after starting in 13th position on the grid.

To make matters worse for Hamilton, championship leader Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari secured his third race victory of the campaign to open up a 25 point gap at the top of the standings.

Despite his struggles in Monaco, Hamilton remains defiant about his chances of claiming a fourth world title, particularly if Mercedes can iron out the issues with their F1 W08 EQ Power+ car.

“The war is not over. It’s a marathon not a sprint,” Hamilton told Sky Sports News HQ. “We can take it on the chin and move forward.

The car was still a real handful and not where it should be. A lot of analysis will go into it over the next two weeks.”

Hamilton will be hoping to be back challenging at the top of the grid when Formula 1 heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix next month.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed regular success at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, winning there on five occasions, including in each of the last two years.

Another victory this year could kickstart Hamilton’s title charge. He is currently priced at 2.25 to claim World Championship glory, with Vettel available at 1.67.