Hamilton surprised by Ferrari's speed in qualifying

12 months ago, Lewis Hamilton entered the legend of the Singapore Grand Prix after a monstrous qualifying lap. The leader of the world championship was not unworthy either this year at the very end of Q3 but he came across someone faster than him in the person of Charles Leclerc. 

After two pole positions and as many Ferrari victories at Spa and Monza, two circuits which give pride of place to engine power, Mercedes thought to regain the advantage on an urban route which requires more aerodynamic support but the racing cars Maranello emerged like devils out of their box into the Marina Bay spotlight. 

« I don't know where Ferrari managed to find this rhythm because in theory, it's not a track where they were supposed to be this frisky, commented Hamilton. Charles signed a great tour naturally. The last attempt required a stratospheric ride and I gave it my all. I brushed against the walls several times but I couldn't do better. I am very happy to be on the front row, between the Ferraris ».

Author of the reference of the first free practices on Friday, Hamilton believes that Mercedes had a less clear day on Saturday and expected to battle with Red Bull for pole position.

« I have the impression that we have lost performance, or perhaps it is our competitors who have managed to raise their level of play, added the Briton. My first attempt in Q3 was not transcendent, fortunately I managed to close the gap during my final flying lap.

The evolution brought by Ferrari (new muzzle, Editor’s note) seems to work. Earlier this season, on this type of circuit, they were not as efficient. We know their engine power but they also competed with us in the second and third sectors which are more winding ». 

Hamilton concluded by assuring that he was going to do everything to make life difficult for the Ferraris by being aggressive in the race. This is promising!