F1 news: Lewis Hamilton eyes Singapore challenge as Ferrari chase podium return
Round 18 of the 2025 F1 season brings us to the home of F1 night races, the Marina Bay Street Circuit, for the Singapore GP.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo dives into where Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari stand heading into the Singapore GP weekend.
Anticipation builds for Marina Bay
Lewis Hamilton enters this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix with a sense of determination as he continues his pursuit of a first podium with Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion has acknowledged that success in Marina Bay will hinge on qualifying and perhaps on unpredictable weather conditions.
The Singapore GP is known for its heat and humidity, but rarely for rain. Despite the city’s frequent storms, only two editions of the race have ever been disrupted by wet conditions, in 2017 and 2022.
Hamilton, who famously won the 2017 race after a dramatic first-lap incident eliminated several contenders, admitted he would welcome similar challenges this time around.
“Qualifying is everything here. It is not the most thrilling race in terms of overtaking opportunities, so I hope the weather shakes things up and gives us something unexpected,” Hamilton said.
Ferrari’s fight for position
Ferrari currently find themselves locked in a battle for second place in the Constructors’ standings.
Hamilton knows that progress in Singapore will require flawless execution rather than relying on new developments, with much of Ferrari’s attention already focused on next year’s car.
“I would give anything for an upgrade, but that is not the priority right now,” he explained. “The team is already working on the future, so we just need to maximise what we have.”
While Ferrari have enjoyed success around the Marina Bay circuit in the past, Hamilton is still waiting for his first podium appearance with the Scuderia.
He downplayed the significance of breaking that streak but admitted that delivering results would be valuable for the team’s confidence.
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Rain could prove a game-changer
Hamilton highlighted the possibility of rain as a factor that could dramatically alter the race dynamic.
With overtaking limited on the tight, twisting street layout, any shift in conditions could open up opportunities.
“Singapore has a way of being processional, so weather could be the key to making things exciting. If the rain comes, it could completely change the outlook,” he noted.
Emotional week off track
Away from the circuit, Hamilton has been managing an emotional week following the passing of his dog, Roscoe, who had been by his side since 2013.
Roscoe became a fan favourite across F1, often making appearances in the paddock and on social media.
The wave of condolences from fans, rivals, and teams around the world was described by Hamilton as overwhelming.
“It was really heartwarming to see how much Roscoe meant to so many people,” he said. “I could not reply to everyone, but the support has meant a lot.”
Hamilton added that while the loss was deeply personal, he is eager to channel his energy back into racing.
“This week has been tough, but now I am just looking forward to getting back in the car and doing what I love,” he said.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton says farewell to Roscoe: ‘The hardest decision of my life’
Focus on Ferrari’s progress
Despite a mixed run of form in recent months, Hamilton remains optimistic about Ferrari’s ability to respond at Singapore.
He admitted that while Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes are expected to be strong contenders, Ferrari have been working hard to correct mistakes from the previous race weekend.
“The car felt good at the start of the last grand prix, but we could not keep that level through the weekend,” he explained.
“We learned from it, and I think we will approach this one in a better way. The team has been putting in long hours back at the factory, and we have caught up on everything we needed.”
Hamilton’s first outing with Ferrari in Singapore adds intrigue to a race already known for its atmosphere and intensity.
With the possibility of rain on the horizon, the stage is set for an unpredictable weekend under the Marina Bay lights.
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