Have Mercedes come up with the answers to their power problems of last year? Johnny Herbert discusses

Sky Sports F1 analyst Johnny Herbert thinks it’s worth backing against Mercedes in this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

The Silver Arrows were mysteriously off the pace on the street circuit last year as rivals Red Bull and Ferrari dominated.

World champion Lewis Hamilton failed to finish after suffering mechanical problems, while team-mate Nico Rosberg could only finish fourth, 25 seconds behind race winner Sebastian Vettel

Mercedes say they have worked hard to try and find out why their performance was so disappointing 12 months ago but won't know if their theories are correct until practice gets under way, a view echoed by Herbert, who is tipping Red Bull's 6/1 shot Max Verstappen to top the podium on Sunday.

JOHNNY'S TIPS

Johnny Herbert thinks Red Bull's Max Verstappen could secure his second win at odds of 6/1

The 19-year-old has come in for some severe criticism for his driving style in recent weeks, but the F1 expert believes Red Bull are better prepared to overhaul Mercedes under the lights on the Marina Bay circuit.

Herbert said: "The big question this year, other than whether it rains or not, is whether Mercedes have cured their troubles on this circuit from previous years?

"For me they'll have improved, but so have others and Red Bull chassis could be perfectly suited to deliver this week, so why not go for Max?

"He was a lap down and plum last until the safety car last year, and still battled back to finish in the points. I'm expecting a big weekend from him."

Herbert is also confident of a strong showing from McLaren's Jenson Button, a week after announcing he's taking a break from the sport.

Button is 6/5 with bookmaker Sky Bet to secure a top-six finish and Herbert thinks that's an offer worth taking.

The three-time Grand Prix winner said: "JB thinks that the Honda engine could show its full potential in Singapore and if there's a bit of bad weather about then Button's the man to bring home the car safely and score a decent result in the process."

Herbert's final tip of the week is on Kevin Magnussen to secure only Renault's second points finish of the season at attractive odds of 6/1.

He explained: "It's not a silly idea to believe that Renault could finish in the points.

"A bit of luck and a safety car or two might help but they shouldn't be as disadvantaged by their engine on the streets of Singapore and Magnussen could deliver a timely reminder as to why they might keep him for next season."

Johnny Herbert's Charity tips this season are supporting Sporting Memories.