Defending F1 champ Hamilton says title bid is over

MONACO (AP) -- Lewis Hamilton says his hopes of defending the Formula One championship title have ended at the Monaco Grand Prix -- the same track that provided a dramatic victory on the way to last season's overall win.

Hamilton finished 16th in qualifying after sliding into the Mirabeau corner 11 minutes into the first qualifying session Saturday, but was demoted to last on the grid because his McLaren needed a gearbox change after the accident.

A dejected Hamilton, who is already 32 points behind leader Jenson Button who took pole, hung his head as stewards removed his car before eventually returning to the garage.

Hamilton said. "We're a long way behind, and if (Button) keeps up his consistency, then he will be very tough to catch."

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