McLaren predict ‘electrifying’ Singapore GP

Despite the World title being “almost” out of reach, Lewis Hamilton insists he’ll push hard in the final six races of the season…

Despite the World title being “almost” out of reach, Lewis Hamilton insists he’ll push hard in the final six races of the season.

With just two victories to his name this season, Hamilton is 126 points behind Sebastian Vettel in the race of the title. And with just 150 points to play for, the McLaren driver concedes that winning is highly unlikely.

However, that doesn’t mean he can’t fight for race victories.

The Brit missed out in Belgium when he crashed into Kamui Kobayashi while his chances of success in Italy where curtailed when he was stuck behind Michael Schumacher for the better part of 28 laps.

Hamilton, though, reckons he can get back to winning ways next Sunday in Singapore and has vowed to push hard to do just that.

“I’ll really be pushing for a good result next weekend,” he said.

“I think we had a car capable of winning in both Belgium and Italy, so I really want to make sure we arrive in Singapore with a good set-up, and that we’re able to run with it through practice and qualifying. If it all goes to plan, we should be in good shape on Sunday.

“Even though the title is now almost out of reach I’ll be pushing hard for the best possible result. I will never give up and I’ll be driving to win as always.”

And that’s the attitude that team boss Martin Whitmarsh reckons will play a role in what could be an “electrifying” Singapore GP as his drivers attack with the help of DRS.

“We go to Singapore feeling very encouraged about our performance potential. I also think we’re set to continue the trend we’ve witnessed so far this season, with DRS enlivening races that hitherto would have been somewhat processional,” said Whitmarsh.

“At McLaren the reality is that we’re fortunate enough to have two drivers who are never satisfied to merely sit behind another car; but the addition of DRS means that we should expect some truly electrifying racing this weekend. The track is wide enough to support close and exciting wheel-to-wheel racing and I sincerely hope that’s what we see this weekend.

“In just a few years, the Singapore Grand Prix has become a classic Formula 1 event – the circuit and facilities are truly world-class and the setting and atmosphere of the race make it one of the jewels of the calendar.

“If circuits like Spa, Silverstone, Monza and Monaco represent the epitome of classic Formula 1, then a circuit such as Marina Bay has, I think, quickly established itself as one of the sport’s modern wonders and greatest success stories.”