The seven-time world champion admits mistakes cost him a stronger qualifying result but believes Ferrari can use its two cars to put pressure on Red Bull.
Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari has an opportunity to challenge Max Verstappen for victory in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, despite expressing frustration after qualifying third behind the Red Bull driver and teammate Charles Leclerc.
The seven-time world champion was encouraged by the improvements Ferrari made ahead of qualifying, which allowed him to build confidence throughout Q1 and Q2. However, mistakes during the final session prevented him from extracting the maximum performance from his car.
Hamilton nevertheless remains optimistic about Ferrari’s race prospects after demonstrating competitive pace throughout the weekend, including during Saturday’s Sprint.
Hamilton frustrated by costly Q3 mistakes
« Another difficult Q3. Congratulations to Max, he did a really good job, » Hamilton said.
« We made changes before qualifying and the car was genuinely much better. I was feeling more and more comfortable, pushing harder and harder, and Q1 and Q2 were really good. »
However, Hamilton struggled to maintain that momentum when it mattered most.
« We got into Q3 and I had a snap at Turns 1 and 3. We were two tenths away, and that wasn’t enough. Then I had another one on my final lap. »
The Briton explained that finding the right balance between pushing the car to its limits and maintaining control had become increasingly difficult as track conditions evolved.
« There’s a fine line between reaching the limit and going over it. Finding that operating window is difficult. »
« I think I had it in the first two parts of qualifying, but the track evolves, the grip improves, and you have to react to that. »
Hamilton acknowledged that he could have adapted better to the changing conditions.
« Looking back, perhaps I should have done that, and it’s disappointing on my part. »
Ferrari’s qualifying improvement raises hopes
Following the Sprint, Hamilton had emphasised the importance of securing a stronger starting position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Having started sixth in the Sprint, the Ferrari driver will now line up third, directly behind Verstappen and Leclerc.
The result gives Ferrari two cars immediately behind the polesitter, potentially offering the Italian team greater strategic flexibility in the race.
Hamilton also praised Red Bull’s recent progress, particularly following the upgrades introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
« Red Bull have done a fantastic job, both with their engine and their car, » he said.
« They’re an excellent team. They brought an upgrade to Baku that brought them back towards the front. »
« Nevertheless, it’s still a good result for us. »
Hamilton sees strength in Ferrari’s two-car challenge
With Verstappen starting from pole position, Hamilton expects the Dutchman to remain a formidable opponent on Sunday.
However, he believes Ferrari’s strongest opportunity lies in using both cars to challenge the Red Bull driver.
« We have two Ferraris up front, and we can work together to put pressure on Max, » Hamilton explained.
« That’s the only way, I think. I’m sure he’ll be quick, but as a team, who knows? Maybe we can get ahead of him. »
Ferrari’s prospects could also benefit from Red Bull’s contrasting fortunes, with Isack Hadjar set to start from the back of the grid following mechanical problems in qualifying.
With Leclerc second and Hamilton third, Ferrari heads into Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix with both drivers positioned to challenge Verstappen.
Whether the Scuderia can turn that advantage into victory will depend on its race pace, strategy and ability to apply sustained pressure on the Red Bull driver around Marina Bay.
