Hamilton channelled Senna amid Singapore chaos

World champion Lewis Hamilton has described how he channelled his great hero Ayrton Senna to skirt around the first-lap tangle between Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen in Singapore, which would have such a seismic impact on the 2017 title race.

Hamilton held a three-point lead in the standings heading to Marina Bay, but Ferrari's greater suitability to the track, and many of the others to follow left Vettel in control of the title in many people's eyes.

However, the incredible three-way crash wiped all of the drivers involved, as well as Fernando Alonso, allowing Hamilton to sneak through and take victory.

It would prove crucial as Vettel lost momentum further in Japan and Malaysia, with Hamilton going on to match the German's four world titles.

"We knew that we were going to struggle as we had done in previous years - but it was a new car, so maybe it would be less of an issue," Hamilton told Mercedes' official website of the Singapore race.

"It turns out, we weren't quick enough. So, I'm fifth, knowing it's hard to overtake on that track.

"Maybe through strategy, I could get ahead, but I remember walking into the office and saying 'guys, we need rain'. It never rains for the race in Singapore - but then, it did.

"I got a great start and was convinced I was going to 'do a Senna' and overtake everyone on the first lap.

"I knew exactly where I was going to put the car, what lines I was going to take everywhere and go that little bit further than the others.

"We had some great drivers ahead so maybe it wouldn't have gone that way but that was the crazy thought process I had."

Despite sharing eight drivers' titles evenly between them, Hamilton and Vettel had rarely been pitched in direct competition for races until last year.

"I couldn't wait to get out on track with Sebastian," Hamilton added. "It had been years since we had the chance to really race.

"He had a quick car and we had some great races. Hunting down a Ferrari was awesome.

"I think this year it will be close. I hope it's so close that it really comes down to those fine moments. That half a tenth here and half a tenth there, from apex speeds and focus and not making mistakes. That makes the difference."

There is no doubting Hamilton's target for 2018: "I've got to get the fifth one.

"Only [Juan Manuel] Fangio and Michael [Schumacher] have accomplished that.

"When I had my one championship and the difficult years that followed, you just have to be grateful for the one you have because most people don't even have one.

"Now, I have got four - but am I stopping? Hell no! I am going to keep going."