MONACO (CMC) — The British driver with Grenadian roots, Lewis Hamilton, was deprived of victory because of an error by his Mercedes team at the Monaco Grand Prix yesterday.

As a result, Hamilton who started in pole position finished third behind winner teammate Nico Rosberg and Ferrari’s Sebastien Vettel.

“I’m sorry about that, Lewis,” his engineer Peter Bonnington said to him over the radio.

“I’ll have to have a word with the pit wall.”

Championship leader Hamilton controlled the race throughout until Mercedes decided to pit him during a late safety car period following a heavy crash by Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen.

Rosberg and Vettel did not stop and passed Hamilton before he rejoined the track.

“It was not the easiest of races but the team has done amazing all year long and we win and we lose together,” said Hamilton, whose grandfather is Grenadian.

“I’m just grateful for the job they did. I’m sure we will sit down afterwards and try to think of ways we can improve. I’ll come back to win the next one.”

It was a bitter blow to Hamilton, who had come to Monaco determined to take his first win here since 2008 and had dominated the weekend.

The result cuts Hamilton’s advantage in the championship over Rosberg to 10 points, with Vettel a further 18 points adrift.