McLaren boss Ron Dennis is adamant Lewis Hamilton is free to race for the Formula One world title after the British rookie suggested he is playing second fiddle to Fernando Alonso.

For the first time in his fledgling career Hamilton wore the look of a disappointed man after finishing runner-up for the fourth successive grand prix, this time around the streets of Monaco.

A seemingly routine one-two finish for the McLaren team took on a different perspective as Hamilton bemoaned the fact he was unable to push Alonso in the closing stages of the 78-lap race, allowing the Spaniard to win for the 17th time in his career.

''I caught him up, but it's extremely difficult to overtake here in Monaco, and he was obviously on a similar pace to me,'' explained the 22-year-old.

''I was told to take it easy, so there was no point pressuring him into a mistake, and then if he had made a mistake to crash into him, so it was best to finish one-two.

''To be honest I pushed as much as I could to the end. I didn't give up, so I didn't really take too much notice and kept going.

''But at the end of the day I'm a rookie, and finishing second in what is my first Monaco Grand Prix, I really can't complain.

''It is something I have to live with. I've number two on my car and I am the number two driver.

''Coming into the season I expected to be number two driver. I'm a rookie, it's my first season, and I'm just pleased to be here.

''I'm still living the dream. I've been on the podium in my first five grands prix, and I hope to continue with that.''