Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton knew going into this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix that it wasn't going to be an easy race. Over the years the circuit hasn't proved very friendly to the Brackley based squad.
While they have had the odd win here and there, it has always been a struggle, so qualifying fifth was no real surprise to Lewis.
Unlike Monza and Spa, fastest times in any session have failed to arrive and while close to the top, Hamilton's best time was nowhere near the two teams he normally out qualifies at every round, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing.
“Every year it has been relatively difficult for us in Singapore, so we knew that we would come here and it would be tricky,” he explained. “I thought Red Bull would be as quick as they were, but I didn't anticipate Ferrari to be that strong. I gave it everything today but I could not get any more out of the car, I squeezed it until it was dry.”
“There are no points for today, so we will focus on doing the best job we can tomorrow and remain hopeful. But this is a horrible track for overtaking; it will be a long race. I will have to try and see if I can get a good start to pick off at least one car. Sebastian has Verstappen next to him, so anything can happen at the start.”
Thoughts of accidents aside, overtaking at the Marina Bay circuit has proved difficult in the past, but it is not impossible. Pit and tyre strategy will play a huge role, as they always have, so Hamilton could end up on the podium by the time the race comes to a close.
