Hamilton was constantly complaining throughout the race because he was on less durable tyres than his rivals.
When a virtual safety car was called early on all of the leading drivers took the opportunity to get fresh tyres.
However, Mercedes sent Hamilton out on the medium compound while the rest of the field were on hard tyres.
Hamilton claim he “would need a miracle” over the team radio as he continued to fend off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen late in the race.
The Brit managed to hold on to win for only the third time in Monaco.
But he was willing to cause a scene late in the race if it meant he did not have to return to the sites.
“I was never going to come in,” Hamilton said.
“A few years ago I was in the lead and came in for a pit stop and learned the hard way and lost the lead.
“I was never going to come in. I would either crashed or finish.
“I was driving around on nothing and you could see the amount of understeer I had when I was turning.
“Ultimately I think it was the wrong tyre. Nonetheless, this team has done an incredible job.
“What we have achieved in these first six races have been remarkable.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton dedicated his victory to the late Niki Lauda, who passed away on Monday night.
“That was definitely the hardest race I think I’ve had,” he added.
“I really was fighting with the spirit of Niki. Niki has been such an inspirational person in our team to help get us where we are.
“I know he will be looking down. I was trying to stay focussed and make him proud. We truly miss him and I have not driven on empty tyres since Shanghai 2007 when McLaren left me out.
“The weather was good and there was a great crowd here.”