Sebastian Vettel's title chances took a huge blow in Singapore. On a circuit where Ferrari was expected to win from pole position, he retired from the race on the first lap with crash damage following a first corner pile-up that was arguably his fault. He now has six races to make up 28 points to Lewis Hamilton -- a tall order given the current form of the three-time world champion and the ever-improving performance of the Mercedes W08.
The 2017 season has been defined by swings in competitiveness between the top two teams, but on paper the Sepang International Circuit -- with its long straights and high-speed corners -- should suit Mercedes.