Hamilton triumphs, extends lead over Vettel
but it looked an ill-judged move as he rejoined behind the slower Force India of Perez.
Hamilton responded immediately and pitted on the next lap, but he crucially opted for the soft compound that had been predicted to last until the end.
When the last of the front-runners Daniel Ricciardo took on ultrasofts on lap 27, it left the top six back in grid order: Hamilton leading, Verstappen second and Vettel third.
Hamilton withstood a challenge from Verstappen as the pair threaded their way through some back markers.
‘MONUMENTAL MOMENT FOR US AS A TEAM’
“I’m spent! That was a tough race, I have such great support here and we had a great start,” Hamilton said after claiming victory at the 23-turn floodlit circuit for the fourth time in his career.
“The team had never given up faith and belief in me and (team mate) Valtteri (Bottas). That was the longest race in my life and its a blessing. I’m just blessed.
“It was long, but it was still fun. Driving this track is incredible, especially with these cars.”
“I got a great start and was able to control the pack, control the tyres and push where I needed to push,” he said after crossing the line. “We knew they (Ferrari) were going to be spectacular here this weekend and we knew it was going to take something quite special to beat them.
“It was quite a monumental moment for us as a team. I definitely didn’t think I’d come to Singapore with 10 points more, but I’m very grateful. The Ferraris put a good fight this weekend but I’m not sure where their pace went in the race.”