Hamilton hopeful for Mercedes podium hunt

Lewis Hamilton hopes Mercedes can replicate last year's performance at the Singapore Grand Prix and fight for a podium.

The high downforce Marina Bay Street Circuit was one of the circuits that favoured the team last year amid its struggles with the W13, a trait that was carried over to this years W14, although poor race day execution meant a strong result was not possible.

Hamilton has not scored a podium since the British GP, and is currently in a close fight with Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez for second in the Drivers' Championship.

Red Bull could also clinch the Constructors' Championship if it outscores Mercedes by 43 points, but Hamilton expects to put up a challenge.

"I think we should we were relatively competitive," he told media, including RacingNews365.

"Last year, we had such a great race. But given the car we had last year, I'm hoping this [years] car has progressed quite a lot.

"Maybe we'll be a little bit closer, I'm hoping we can fight for the podium."

The circuit will change this year due to the construction of a multi-purpose outdoor venue, meaning Turns 16, 17, 18 and 19 have been removed.

Instead there will be a straight between Turn 15 and the old Turn 20 and 21 chicane, which will become Turns 16 and 17.

"It's a short straight so I don't think anyone would have an advantage particularly on it," explained Hamilton.

"There's generally nowhere where our car is favoured and this is not a particular track that's been a strong place for us in the past.

"But last year, as I said, with this type of car we tend to be a little bit quicker than we thought it was going to be, so hopefully that will be the case this weekend."