“It’s a little bit of a shame [about the red flag in Q3] because we were getting into a rhythm, it was the same for all of us, but getting that lap at the end was a little bit tricky. But I think there was maybe a tiny bit more left in the car, but I’m really grateful for it.
“We’ve been moving up and down on balance, we’ve changed everything this weekend on each day and the mechanics have just been faultless, so I want to say a big thank you to them and I hope that we’re in a good position to fight for the front tomorrow.”
HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the qualifying action from Singapore as Norris claims thrilling pole while Sainz crashes out
In terms of whether those car changes will translate to good race pace on Sunday, Hamilton admitted: “That, I have no idea! One day at a time. It was a lot better today, it was the first time we had any front end.
“We’ve seen it, the McLarens have been so quick each weekend. I don’t know, I think with management I’m hoping we can try and keep up with these guys [McLaren pole-sitter Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in P2]. Maybe not the McLarens, but we’ll be giving it everything.”
Russell, meanwhile, had a rollercoaster day in Singapore, having displayed good pace in FP3 before finding himself at risk of being eliminated during Q1 and Q2 of qualifying and then recovering in Q3 to take fourth place.
“Oh my goodness, it was so strange,” Russell reflected on the ups and downs of his day. “In FP3 I felt super-confident, the car was feeling great, the tyres were feeling great and everything came easily.
