Lewis Hamilton has admitted he finds it a 'bit of a shame' that there was a red flag in Singapore Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday after his car 'came alive'.
The 39-year-old has been critical of his own performances in qualifying this season, even admitting it's been a 'weakness' for him.
Hamilton performed well on Saturday, however, with the Mercedes star finishing behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen ahead of the main event in Singapore on Sunday.
Speaking to Sky in the aftermath of the race, the Silver Arrows driver admitted he was pleased with his performance.
Lewis Hamilton has admitted he finds it a 'bit of a shame' that there was a red flag in Singapore Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday after his car 'came alive'`
SKY
But he also said it was a 'bit of a shame' that a red flag was enforced as he boosted his chances of winning the main event on Sunday.
"Qualifying has been a disaster for me all year long and I've been working, working and working trying to get myself back up there," he said.
"All of a sudden the car came alive for the first time in qualifying in a long time.
"[The red flag was] a bit of a shame, as we were getting into a rhythm, but it was the same for all of us, and in that lap at the end was a little bit tricky.
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"I think there was a tiny bit more left in the car but I'm really grateful for it.
"We've been moving up and down on balance, we've changed everything on each day, and the mechanics have just been faultless so I want to say a big thank you to them.
"I hope we're in a good position to fight for the front tomorrow."
When asked if the set-up changes can now pay off on Sunday, he added: "That I have no idea!
"One day at a time. It was a lot better today, it was the first time we had any front end, and we've seen the McLarens have been so quick each weekend.
"I don't know. With management, I hope we can keep up with these guys, maybe not the McLarens, but we'll be giving it everything."
Meanwhile, Norris secured his fifth pole of the campaign in Singapore.
The McLaren star was able to keep Verstappen at bay as he looks to close the gap on his rival in the race for the F1 title.
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Lewis Hamilton finished third in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen
REUTERS
And Norris was delighted after a 'tough' day at the office.
"It was tough, especially through qualifying," he said.
"I was finding it a little difficult to progress much and gain a lot of lap time.
"And all of the guys around seemed to get quicker and quicker, so it put me under a bit more pressure, especially with just one lap at the end.
Lewis Hamilton performed well in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix
REUTERS
"It was good enough for pole and I’m happy with that, especially here in Singapore.
"A good feeling. I’ve felt good all weekend, I’ve felt confident, maybe not so much in qualy but we got the job done."
