(CNN) Lewis Hamilton led from start to finish at the Monaco Grand Prix to win his fourth race of the season after an emotional week for the world of Formula 1.

The Mercedes driver dedicated the victory to his hero Niki Lauda, the three-time world champion who died aged 70 earlier this month.

"That was definitely the hardest race I've had but nonetheless I really was fighting with the spirit of Niki [Lauda]," said an emotional Hamilton after the race.

After recovering from a near-fatal accident to become one of motor racing's greatest drivers, Lauda served as a non-executive chairman of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix and was influential in bringing Hamilton to the team.

The Brit continued: "He's been such an influence in our team and I know he will be looking down and taking his hat off.

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