As he heads to Suzuka for next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton will be looking for answers from Mercedes after the team's unexpected downturn in Singapore.

The German outfit suffered a surprising performance drop relative to its major rivals around the demanding street circuit, compounded for Hamilton by a retirement - the first in twenty races - and the concession of 12 championship points to team mate and title contender Nico Rosberg.

Mercedes initially blamed the sub-par showing around the Marina Bay harbour on tyres but the team has yet to pinpoint the exact origin of the mysterious mishap, and determine more importantly whether the setback was a one-off or linked to something more fundamental.

"I don’t have any confidence," admitted the reigning World Champion.
"I don’t have any information to give me that confidence.

"I’m hoping it’s a one-off but that was a very, very strange weekend to say the least. I think some other people might have brought an upgrade package in Singapore, but that doesn’t explain it."

While Hamilton enjoys a 40-point cushion over title challenger Rosberg and 48 over Sebastian Vettel with six races remaining this season, the British driver won't take a back seat and will be seeking to regain as quickly as possible the dominant momentum which he established this year.

“I asked my engineers that I would like some information as soon as you know what you may or may not think it is," Hamilton added.

"But there is not a lot of time between now and the next race so a lot of focus has to go on that to try and improve it.”

Photographers' picks - Singapore

Singapore Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

12 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

13 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

16 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

18 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago