Lewis Hamilton criticised his errors in qualifying after missing out on a "breeze" victory in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion had exceptional pace throughout the weekend at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, but started in P10 after two costly errors in Q3.
He fought through the field magnificently but did not have enough time to catch George Russell for victory and was forced to settle for second.
Hamilton recognises that without his mistakes on both of his Q3 hot laps, a victory would have been a simple task.
"That was great," Hamilton said. "Firstly I've got to say a big congratulations to Max winning the championship, still with several races to go.
"And if I'd done my job yesterday, it would have been a breeze today. But it's OK. I had fun coming from the back, coming from 10th and the team did a fantastic job.
"We don't know why we were so quick this weekend, but that's the best the car's ever felt. So I'm grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point."
Mercedes had the strongest car in Sin City, with the cooler conditions having brought the W15 to life.
Hamilton is hopeful that the car will continue to perform in his final two races for the Silver Arrows in Qatar and Abu Dhabi but is wary that the weather will be very different.
"Maybe the reason that we did so well is because it's cold," assessed Hamilton. "If we're in a hot climate, that's where we struggle the most.
"If the car drives like that in the next couple of races, then I think we'll be in a good spot to challenge the guys up front. The championship's done, so now it's just an all-out fight for the best positions possible."
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