Hamilton has "100 percent faith" in Mercedes

The reigning world champion saw victory at Sepang slip through his fingers after suffering an engine failure while comfortably in the lead.

That retirement left the way clear for teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg to take a third place and extend his championship advantage to 23 points.

Speaking to television crews after the race, Hamilton hinted at something 'odd' going on in terms of him being the only Mercedes driver to suffer problems, as he suggested that 'something or someone' didn't want him to win.

Later on, Hamilton clarified his remarks and made it clear that he never suggested the team was out to deliberately hinder him, and earlier negative remarks were made in the heat of the moment.

"Honestly, you have to understand from my point," he explained. "On one side, we have had the most incredible success in these two years for which I am so grateful. These guys [Mercedes] work so hard. We all feel the pain right now.

"When you get out of the car with the feeling you have, after leading the race, and the car fails, it is pretty hard to say positive things.

"But, as I said in the interview, Mercedes have built 43 engines, with the extra three I have had, and I have had most of the failures. It is definitely a tough thing.

"But I have 100 percent confidence in these guys. I have been with them now, it is my fourth year with them now, the guys in the garage, the guys back at the factory, and I have 100 percent faith in them.

"I love it here and without them I would not have won these two championships."

When asked to explain who he was referring to when he said 'someone' didn't want him to win, Hamilton said: "A higher power. It feels right now that a higher power is intervening a little bit.

"But I feel like I have been blessed, with the great opportunity to be here.

"[I am working] with so many great people around me, the opportunity to be in this great team, to win two world championships and lots of lots of victories and records that I am breaking, so I have to be grateful for those and, while this does not feel great, I am eternally grateful."