Hamilton looking to deliver a hard fight here

Singapore

MERCEDES' Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton plans to put up a tough fight at the Singapore Grand Prix, and solidify his lead over rivals as he chases a fifth world championship.

While Mercedes has previously struggled in some years at the Marina Bay street circuit compared to teams such as Ferrari and Red Bull, Hamilton is hopeful to deliver more of a battle this weekend.

"We've prepared in the best way we can," he said. "The guys have worked incredibly hard to try and eke out a little bit more potential of the car. I'm excited. The street circuit is incredible and I'm hopeful that the car is better this year than it has been in previous years."

To beat them, "will take everything and a lot more probably, but that's what we're working towards", he added.

Team boss Toto Wolff has been quoted as saying this week that the Marina Bay circuit is one of the trickiest of the season for Mercedes, owing to the "short straights, the slow, tight corners and the bumpy surface", expecting the track to instead favour Ferrari.

But Hamilton, understandably, is not keen to lose any ground. He currently sits at the top of the standings with 256 points after a surprise win at Monza, pipping Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel who is now in second place with 226 points. Hamilton's teammate Valterri Bottas is in fourth place with 159 points.

Vettel has won the Singapore Grand Prix four times, while Hamilton has done so thrice, most recently taking the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix in style on a rain-soaked grid.

Hamilton, together with Bottas, was speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon at a meet-the-fans session organised by Mercedes-Benz at Suntec City. On showcase was the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV.

Commenting on how he's managed to edge out Vettel this season, Hamilton said: "I think it's really just about being consistent."

"We've been the most consistent so far as a team," the Briton added, although he acknowledged that the beginning of the season started out less so. "Just really kind of capitalising and maximising on every single weekend."

Meanwhile, Bottas is approaching the Singapore Grand Prix with an open mind. "Anything is possible," he said, of his chances at a podium finish. However, he is determined to net at least one race win over the rest of the season.

He added: "My performance overall has been better than last year. Obviously, the competition is getting tougher as well. I only have one goal for the rest of the year - to try and win one race."

The eleventh edition of the night race takes place from Sept 14-16, after Singapore extended its contract for four more years.