Lewis Hamilton is looking to get back into winning ways this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix, but knows it will not be straightforward, especially when looking at the turn of events from twelve months ago.
The race at the Marina Bay circuit was difficult for the whole Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team in 2015, with neither Hamilton nor team Nico Rosberg qualifying or racing particularly well, with the race victory going to Scuderia Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
Hamilton expects Ferrari and Red Bull Racing to be close to them this year, and hopes the troubles from 2015 have been put aside and the team can continue their amazing run of victories that stretches back to the Monaco Grand Prix in May.
“Next up it’s Singapore, which is always a great event,” said Hamilton. “The race is a challenge with the heat and humidity – but it’s a street circuit, which I love.
“We didn’t have the greatest weekend there last year, so hopefully we’re on top of that now. I guess we’ll find out in a few days’ time! Either way, it’s not going to be an easy breezy drive. Even when we won there back in 2014, it wasn’t straightforward.
“Ferrari and Red Bull will be on it I’m sure, so we’ve got a big fight on our hands if we are up at the front. I love a battle, so I’m excited to see how it plays out.”
Hamilton was left frustrated after being forced to settle for second place behind Rosberg last time out at Monza, but feels the team have been great all year round and is happy to be sitting on top of the championship standings, albeit by only two points from his team-mate.
“Monza didn’t quite go to plan,” admitted Hamilton. “But when you look at how far we’ve come as a team this season, from the position we were in, then I realise I’m in a phenomenal position.
“We’re still leading both World Championships and there are still so many great things to achieve together, even before this season is through.”
