Hamilton thinks race win still realistic

After finishing fourth in Brazil and seeing his championship deficit extend to 24 points, Hamilton said he now required "a miracle" to win the title.

While he stands by that statement given that even a victory would only make him champion if Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel had poor races, he thinks winning the race at least is a realistic aim.

"For me I have nothing to lose, the guys in front have everything to lose," said Hamilton.

"I will be flat-out. They generally have faster cars than me but that doesn't mean we cannot fight for the win. We have to win and that is what I plan to do."

He added that given his underdog position in the points, he would not be too disappointed if he missed out on this year's title.

"It will be less disappointing for me because I am so far back," Hamilton said. "We have had an interesting year. I'm happy to be here still fighting for the championship with still a relatively small chance.

"We have given our all this year and other guys have done a slightly better job. I am looking forward to next year.

"It is kind of cool to just be in the mix on the edge, like on the edge of the green [in golf]."