Lewis Hamilton appreciates he is running out of wiggle room in his bid to win this year’s Formula One world title.

Since the conclusion of the opening race of the season in Australia, Hamilton has trailed teammate Nico Rosberg virtually every step of the way, with Australia’s Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo trailing along in third.

It has been a source of frustration and annoyance for Hamilton he has continually had to play catch up, suffering three retirements in particular, compared to the one for Rosberg.

It appears to Hamilton no matter how hard he tries, an obstacle at some stage is sent to block his path and send him tumbling back again.

With six races remaining, starting with the night race in Singapore on Sunday, the gap to Rosberg at present is 22 points.

That follows a crucial win in Italy last time out, but with Rosberg second to limit the damage to the Briton.

Hamilton, therefore, knows as each race goes by the margin for error on his part is considerably reduced.

“Since race one I have been 25 points down, so I’ve never been able to afford a crash,” said Hamilton.

“I’ve lost ground and then clawed it back at every race this year, so nothing changes for me. I can’t afford to lose anything.

“I am running out of races, but I’m not here to take any more risks as I’m already taking as many risks as I can.

“A lot of the stuff that has happened has had nothing to do with the engineers and mechanics.

“What is important is we don’t dwell on the past but look forwards. Let’s take this positive energy.”

Hamilton has conceded to experiencing “a good feeling” at being back on the top step at Monza, ending a wretched run of luck following the incidents in qualifying in Germany and Hungary, and the collision with Rosberg in Belgium that ultimately ended his race.

“It was great to be able to capitalise on the pace I felt I’d had right from the beginning of the weekend,” added Hamilton.

“Obviously with Nico coming second I haven’t been able to close the gap too much, but there are still plenty of points to be won and I’m glad to have taken a step forwards.”