Singapore Grand Prix 2026: Lewis Hamilton prays for rain as he ‘loves that challenge’

Lewis Hamilton added that the unique Singapore format, with only one practice session before competitive running, adds to the intrigue. | Photo Credit: AFP

Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday he would welcome rain at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, pointing to his standout drive in Malaysia a week earlier, where he climbed to third from an ill-suited dry-tyre start in changing conditions.

The Sepang weekend had been marred by a software issue that prevented cars from running properly on the wet surface, leading to multiple stoppages on the first formation lap and an aborted start.

When the race finally resumed nearly an hour later, the downpour had eased and the track dried within roughly nine laps, limiting the time spent in truly wet conditions.

Hamilton argued that modern F1 sees fewer genuinely treacherous starts than in the past, but insisted he thrives on such challenges.

“Wet-weather races aren’t the same as we used to have, for sure,” lamented the seven-time world champion, 41, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2007.

“I’ve had great races in 2008 in the rain. I love racing in the rain. I’m like ‘let’s get going’ under extreme conditions, that’s really where we get to test ourselves, and is it more risky? Absolutely. That’s why when I was out on the slick tyre (in Malaysia) it was the trickiest conditions. It’s wet and I’m on slicks.

“But I love that challenge and that’s what racing is -- where you have to drive by the seat of your pants.”

He added that the unique Singapore format, with only one practice session before competitive running, adds to the intrigue.

“It’s exciting to come here, to Singapore, and you only have one session, everyone’s in the same boat -- (practice) could be good, it could be not good. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.” said Hamilton.

Forecasts suggest rain could influence both Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s grand prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, while this year’s expanded sprint calendar leaves teams with just a single free-practice window on Friday to dial in setups.