Updated

Lewis Hamilton said he could have won the Brazilian Grand Prix and extended his championship lead over Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg if it weren't for a mistake that sent him off the track near the midway point of the race on Sunday.

Hamilton locked his rear tires and nearly spun at the end of the back straight at Interlagos, losing significant time to Rosberg. His Mercedes went sideways, sliding on all four wheels before he managed to regain control.

The mistake came just before one of Hamilton's pit stops, when his tires were already greatly degraded.

The British driver, who had his championship lead cut to 17 points, said the near spin "ultimately cost (him) the win."

Hamilton said he clearly "had a lot more pace than Nico" at Interlagos.