Brazilian GP: Hamilton crashes out of qualifying on first lap

Hamilton wrapped up his fourth world championship title in Mexico a fortnight ago and had declared he would not back off in his efforts to win the final two events of the year.

Shortly after the beginning of the first session in Brazil, Hamilton had just completed the first sector when he crashed into the barriers at the fast uphill Ferradura right hander.

Hamilton was halfway through the corner when the back of his car stepped out and he spun around, pitching him into the barriers on the left hand side of the circuit.

The Briton was able to get out of his car unaided and was given the all clear by officials, without requiring any medical checks.

As Hamilton did not set a time, Mercedes will need to request permission from the stewards for him to be allowed to start from the back of the grid.

Asked to explain the crash by NBC, Hamilton said he was "not quite sure exactly" what happened.

"I don't really have much to say," he said. "Challenges are really what make life interesting obviously, and I think I set this one for myself.

"I'll do the best that I can tomorrow to recover from it.

"Not the greatest of days but I'll keep my head up."

Asked if he could relish having a quick car in the race to make up ground, Hamilton replied: "I'm not currently relishing it at the moment, but I have no choice.

"I'm sure I'll figure my way through."