Hamilton struggling with Mercedes

The current world champion suffered his sixth consecutive defeat in qualifying to team-mate Nico Rosberg in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with his best lap coming in nearly four tenths down on the German.

Asked after qualifying if he was having problems with the car, Hamilton said: "Generally it gets better in the race, but for a while I'm just struggling on the edge of the car.

"It was a lot more comfortable in the beginning of the year for me.

"Coming into this weekend I've tried to make some changes.

"I'm disappointed with myself a little bit with one of the things I've taken off the car, but at the end of the day I couldn't do anything [to beat Rosberg].

"I don't know really, I've generally struggled all weekend, but Nico did such a good job today, in particular in Q3.

"It doesn't really matter what the [qualifying] number is, what matters are the wins and the championship.

"There are areas to improve the car on my side, and I'm sure we'll get there."

Rosberg played down the significance of his run of six straight poles heading into F1's off-season.

When asked if he wanted to continue the streak into 2016, he said: "With all due respect that's not a target.

"It's great to end the season on a high and I'll be motivated to start next year the way this season has finished, but it's not as simple as that.

"I'll push and be strong next year. It's not a revival, it's just progress."