However, it was a contrived one-two in many respects as McLaren organised a race strategy that effectively handed the win on a plate to Alonso.

Dennis conceded as much when he said: “We had to cope with the potential deployment of the safety car.

“So consequently you virtually have to decide in advance which one of the team’s drivers will claim the victory.”

Alonso – who tops the standings by virtue of his two race wins – started on a lighter fuel load and a two-stop plan, while Hamilton was initially fuelled for a one-stopper.

That catered for a possible safety car incident as had happened in four of the previous five races.

If the safety car had been deployed then 22-year-old Hamilton would have celebrated his maiden win.

As it was, he was left bemoaning playing second fiddle to Alonso, although he did just about appreciate the reasons why.

“The goal of the team is to score as many points as we can to pull away from the Ferraris, and the way to do that is to finish first and second, or ahead of them,” said Hamilton.

“It would have been easy for me to push a little harder, but then maybe touch the barrier, crash, or push Fernando into a mistake.

“That would have been a negative for the team, so it was best to finish one-two. 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 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.”

That was said with a forced smile and Hamilton was clearly not entirely happy, a situation Dennis fully appreciates.

“He is disappointed and frustrated, and I can understand that,” he said.

“But he would not have been any of those things if the safety car had been deployed. He would have won the race.

“To be honest, I’m not happy not letting our drivers race, but the simple fact is it’s my job, which is a difficult one at times, and this was one of those times.

“The drivers are members of this team, and they have to behave and perform as members of the team. That’s the way it is.”

Dennis insists the Monaco Grand Prix is a one-off, and that the two are now free to go head-to-head in the battle for the title.

“Lewis has an equal opportunity to win the world championship,” Dennis added.

“I have been monstrously criticised in the past for not favouring a driver and frittering away the opportunity of a world title. But we will never favour one driver over another, no matter who it is. We never have and we never will.

“Time will tell that we do not favour anybody.”