Lewis Hamilton obliterates Micah Richards in brutal snub in Singapore - 'I thought we were friends'

Speaking after the session, Hamilton said: "I was pushing so hard and it was incredibly tight. It was really difficult to get to a position where we could fight for first place and I didn't I just didn't have enough grip on the last lap.

"Coming here, we didn't know how close we could be this weekend. We knew we'd be stronger than Monza, but we didn't know exactly how close. Nevertheless, I'm thankful to be second tomorrow. And I thank the team for keeping pushing. We just keep our heads down and hope for a positive day tomorrow.”

Hamilton's teammate George Russell struggled in the rain and was eliminated in the second part of qualifying. Mercedes fitted it with new engine components ahead of the race meaning it will start from pit lane.

Hamilton are 35 points behind team-mate Russell but could reduce the advantage this afternoon.