#MonacoGP: Hamilton faster than ever in 1st practice

Monaco -  Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest time followed by Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel in the first practice for the Monaco Grand Prix on Thursday.

Both have won twice, five races into an intriguing Formula 1 season, and Vettel leads Hamilton by six points.

Vettel marginally behind

In somewhat cloudy and warm conditions, Hamilton was .200 of a second clear of Vettel.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was third quickest, followed by Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, the other race winner this season.

Making his return to F1 as a one-off replacement for McLaren's Fernarndo Alonso — who is skipping Monaco to compete in the Indianapolis 500 — veteran Jenson Button was 14th.

There is a second practice later Thursday at 2:00pm.