Hamilton-Mercedes bond 'greater' than ever

Lewis Hamilton says his relationship with his Mercedes mechanics is better than it ever has been in his six seasons with the team. Hamilton is closing in on a fifth world title in 2018, having built a 40-point buffer to Sebastian Vettel with six races to go.

Hamilton's connection with Mercedes' support staff was reportedly strained as he battled Nico Rosberg between 2014-2016, with each side of the garage pitched in a title fight with the other.

However, with Vettel and Ferrari emerging as Hamilton's closest rivals, the Briton says the Silver Arrows have come together to produce their "A game" in 2018.

"I've had Bono [race engineer Peter Bonington] by my side my whole time here at this team and you can hear our rapport when we're in a race," said Hamilton.

"All the guys are working tirelessly to make sure that the car is where I want it to be. They have full trust in me. When I say 'I need this on the car', they do it.

"Honestly the set-up was great [in Singapore] – that's why I was able to do [my pole lap]. And the same in the last race. We've got to keep the same mentality and the same hard work process we've had.

"If you speak to the guys, I'm pretty sure they will tell you how important the debriefs have been.

"My communication, I would say with the debriefs, has been greater than it's ever felt for me.

"I have tremendous belief in this team. I truly believe we are more united and I think I've got the smartest group of guys in my team.

"They're bringing their A game and I'm bringing my A game. Unless you're coming up straight with the A game, the ace… that's what we're bringing every weekend right now."

MORE: 'Ferrari should be leading this championship'