Hamilton frustrated to go backwards after finishing fifth in the Monaco GP

The McLaren driver could not keep up with leaders Mark Webber (Red Bull) and Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) in the first stint, was jumped by Fernando Alonso's Ferrari when both pitted early on, and then found Sebastian Vettel rejoining ahead of him as Red Bull executed an alternative strategy for the world champion.

"It wasn't the best result. But this is motor racing. I really dislike going backwards," said Hamilton.

"But we still came away with some points and there are many, many more races ahead of us so we just have to keep our heads up and keep pushing."

He warned that McLaren, which has not had a podium finish since China in April, had to react fast.

"I think the team have definitely got some work to do because we are falling behind race by race," said Hamilton. "The others are picking up some serious pace. If we're not lucky then it will fall away from us."

Hamilton was particularly disgruntled about his start. Although he did not lose any positions, he felt a chance to gain ground had been missed.

"My start was one of the worst starts I've had in a long time," he said. "I just don't understand why it happened when the two guys next to me and the guy behind me got perfect starts. I was very, very fortunate not to get caught up in the crash.

"We do thousands and thousands of starts through the year so it should not be a problem."

The Briton was also keen to understand how he had lost ground during the pit sequences.

"I don't know how long my pitstop was but I lost quite a lot of time," said Hamilton.

"I just wasn't able to really keep up with Alonso, and Sebastian got me through his pitstop, and then it didn't seem possible to overtake."