Brazilian GP: Hamilton baffled by Bottas accident

Williams driver Bottas was trying to un-lap himself from Hamilton's fourth-placed Mercedes when they clashed under braking for the Descida do Lago.

Hamilton was adjudged to have caused the incident and given a drive-through penalty. Having also picked up a puncture, he ended up finishing ninth, while Bottas had to retire on the spot.

"I guess I caused a collision - but with a backmarker trying to overtake me," said Hamilton.

"I don't really know what happened, if I'm honest, I need to go and watch the replay.

"I really can't quite work it out. I moved to the left. He outbraked me and we touched. Obviously I did something wrong.

"I'm a bit gutted that I lost so many points for the team."

The Briton reckoned he had a shot at beating Fernando Alonso to the final podium position but for the collision.

"I was catching Fernando, so I think we had a chance to at least fight with Fernando," said Hamilton.

While Mercedes secured a breakthrough second place in the constructors' championship courtesy of Nico Rosberg's fifth place and Hamilton's ninth, the latter admitted it was hard to feel happy at the end of the season.

"The highlight is the team getting second in the constructors'. Otherwise it's not been a particularly spectacular year for me in terms of my performances," Hamilton said.

"I hope there's more to come in the future.

"I don't feel much positivity at the moment, but I'm sure over the break I'll regain it."