• Belgian Grand Prix

Mercedes third quickest - Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton only led for the first few corners before losing out to Sebastian Vettel © Sutton Images

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Lewis Hamilton said he believes he had the third quickest car all weekend after finishing on the podium at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Having started from pole position, Hamilton lost the lead to Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap and then Fernando Alonso passed him for second place later in the race. Having eventually finished third - over 27 seconds behind Vettel and 10 adrift of Alonso - Hamilton said he felt that Red Bull and Ferrari had been quicker than Mercedes all weekend and therefore third place was a strong result.

"We had a tough race," Hamilton said. "These guys were a little bit faster than us but the team did a great job throughout the weekend and I'm really happy with the results.

"I came in this weekend and when we started I felt like we perhaps didn't have as good a package as [Vettel and Alonso]. I think we'll go away after this weekend, we'll try and see if we can improve for Monza but definitely when we get to the likes of Singapore I think we have a much better chance there."

Hamilton said Mercedes' performances in Spa and Monza were not going to be a reflection of its overall pace due to the nature of the circuits.

"Every year you come here and Monza with a new package, new front and particularly rear wing. Sometimes you hit the nail on the head and sometimes you don't. I think we've done a decent job but obviously these guys have done a better job. Whether or not we can make a judgement for the next race we'll wait and see, but more importantly I think we'll be back to being more competitive after Singapore."

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