Hamilton: Red Bull and Ferrari "genuine" threats in F1 Singapore GP

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were , where Daniil Kvyat led the way for Red Bull ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and the second RB11 of Daniel Ricciardo.

While Rosberg accepted Mercedes "didn't do a good job today" both he and Hamilton are expecting a fight with Red Bull and Ferrari for honours in Singapore.

"I definitely think we've got a genuine challenge from those guys," said Hamilton.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes, it's going to be interesting."

When asked if Mercedes is likely to face its toughest fight for pole position so far this season, the world champion added: "It looks like that could be the case, yes.

"Ferrari are very fast, and Red Bull look like they are quicker.

"I'm not focusing on the others so I'm not any more excited, but tomorrow if it's closer then it's going to be more exciting for the fans and also for us."

However, Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel are both expecting Mercedes to take a step forward when it counts on Saturday.

"I hope it's [Mercedes] real pace," said Ricciardo. "To be honest I'm still not looking to them tomorrow.

"Mercedes will turn it up tomorrow and surprise everyone - not surprise everyone, but fool everyone.

"Ferrari and Williams normally turn it up a bit on Saturday, so hopefully whatever they do is not too much and we can hang in there.

"If today's any tell-tale sign, we're looking pretty good. We've still got a bit more pace in us."

Vettel added: "Mercedes will be quick - I don't know what happened to them today.

"They looked a bit slow but I'm sure they will change it for tomorrow.

"As expected, the Red Bulls are fairly quick round here so it will be tight.

"For the race things look OK, but I was not entirely happy with the short runs I had so for qualifying we have to improve a little bit."

We want to hear from you!

Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.

Take our survey

- The Autosport.com Team

Read and post comments