Hamilton gunning for victory in Monaco

The 22-year-old Briton, just four races into a career that has already produced a record run of podium finishes for a rookie, finished second in Spain behind Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.

The eight points lifted the McLaren driver clear at the top of the standings with 30 points, two ahead of Spanish teammate and double world champion Fernando Alonso and three clear of Massa.

At 22 years, four months and six days old, Hamilton replaced late team founder Bruce McLaren as the sport's youngest championship leader by a month and two days.

The New Zealander led in 1960 at the wheel of a Cooper Climax after winning the season-opening Argentine Grand Prix in Buenos Aires.

"We didn't particularly have the pace of Felipe but I think we came another step closer and, as I said to him just now, we'll get him soon," Hamilton told a post-race news conference.

The Briton has led all four of his races.

Hamilton has finished second to Massa in the last two races but the next up is Monaco, the glamour highlight of the calendar and a circuit where the Briton has won before in junior categories.

"I've been working so many years for this, me and my family, and to be finally in this position is a dream and it really is now just getting bigger," he said.

"It is quite amazing to be leading after only my fourth Grand Prix, but it's good and I'm enjoying it and I need to keep on enjoying it and really just building on the points that I have.

"Monaco has always been a very strong race for me and I was saying to Felipe, one day we'll get him and you never know if it's that one or not," added Hamilton.

"I think we'll be very strong in Monaco so I'm looking forward to it...sure, I'm going to be gunning for a win."

The youngster has made a big impression with his poise and self-assurance since his debut in Australia in March and he showed again that he feels completely at home in the limelight.

Asked whether his taking the lead reaffirmed his belief that he could win the title, Hamilton replied: "For sure it's positive, but even from the last race we knew that there was a possibility of winning the championship.

"But again, we have to be realistic. It is only my first season so it's going to be ups and downs," he added.

"I've done a good job I think until now and the team have done a fantastic job and as long as we keep the reliability good on the car and I don't make any mistakes, then I'm sure we can continue with the performance we have."