Former world champion Jenson Button has praised Sebastian Vettel's qualifying win at the Singapore Grand Prix, saying that it should be considered as the 'shot in the arm' that Formula One needs after witnessing Mercedes dominate for the past two years.
Ferrari's Vettel finished almost 1.5 seconds quicker than reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was fifth, to secure the pole position under the Marina Bay floodlights.
On Saturday, Vettel ended Mercedes' streak of 23 consecutive poles, while Hamilton fell short of one on levelling Ayrton Senna's record of eight consecutive poles by a driver.
Mercedes showed signs of fallibility as Hamilton struggled throughout the practice sessions, while nearest challenger and team mate Nico Rosberg could manage sixth in qualifying.
Reflecting on Mercedes' surprising struggles, Button said that it was great to see a mixed up grid at the front, adding that it was good for everyone including Mercedes, Sport24 reported.
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Hamilton heads into Sunday's showdown holding a 53-point lead over his nearest challenger Rosberg in the drivers' championship table.
