Mixed emotions for Hamilton

Hamilton: settled for third

It was just a bit unfortunate to be stuck in traffic. Nevertheless to have a podium finish in first Singapore night race is a great result.

Lewis Hamilton
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Lewis Hamilton was happy to pick up six points in Singapore to capitalise on Ferrari's bad day at the office.

At the start of Formula One's first night race, Hamilton slotted into second place behind pole sitter Felipe Massa, with his title rival pulling further away with each passing lap.

However, a safety car period and the ensuing rush to pit saw Ferrari throw it away when Massa was told to leave the pits despite the fuel hose still attached to his car - the result was Massa dropped all the way to last and never recovered.

Hamilton, meanwhile, was also dropped down the order in that mad pit battle, coming out in ninth place. The McLaren driver managed to work his way back up the order to finish in third place, but was unable to gain a greater advantage over Massa due to slower cars ahead of him on the street circuit.

"I honestly can't complain," the McLaren driver said. "We were competitive in the first stint, and with the safety car we were fortunate to get out.

"It was just a bit unfortunate to be stuck in traffic. Nevertheless to have a podium finish in first Singapore night race is a great result. I can't complain, seven points I am quite happy with.

"For sure, it is all about scoring points. We came here with a one-point lead and I could see Ferrari were very competitive.

"I knew it would be very tough to beat them and especially after the start I could see I was behind.

He added: "We got some good points today."

Hamilton's six-point haul in Singapore has given him a seven-point advantage over Massa in the drivers' standings with a total 30 still to play for.