Hamilton led a comfortable Mercedes 1-2 last time out at Monza, but had no answer to either Ferrari's or Red Bull's pace over a single lap.

Despite the Briton being one of only three drivers in the top six to improve on the second runs in Q3, he was still over six tenths behind the pole-sitting Ferrari of title rival Sebastian Vettel.

"We knew that today would be tough," Hamilton said. "We definitely didn't anticipate Ferrari would be as strong as they were. We thought Red Bull would be as quick as they were.

"I got everything I could out of the car, I gave it everything, everything and more. I squeezed every single bit out of it."

He added: "I was holding on to the reins for dear life. I didn't think I'd be this far off."

Singapore was expected to prove a challenge for Mercedes, with the track's characteristics more suited to Ferrari and it having been host to the Silver Arrows' worst performance of the 2014-2016 regulations cycle two years ago.

Asked whether he expected the Marina Bay Street Circuit to suit the W08 car the least of the remaining tracks, Hamilton said: "I don't know, I don't know where Ferrari have picked up their pace.

"It's strange from race to race, it's a little bit different between us. But I hope that at the races coming up we'll be really strong."

Hamilton is hoping that circumstances will give him a helping hand in the race.

"This is a tough track for overtaking, it's usually just a long, long train. I think it's going to be very difficult.

"I think the start is an opportunity, strategy is an opportunity, safety cars, who knows? I think tomorrow I'm just going to be playing the long game. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

"It's going to be physical, it's going to be long, it could be dull. I just hope that I can pick some people off, at least get past a Ferrari at the start – that would be really helpful."