McLaren ace Lewis Hamilton admitted that he made a mistake which could cost him the world championship as he crashed out of the Italian Grand Prix on the first lap.

Hamilton made a flying start at Monza, but in trying to pressurise Ferrari's Felipe Massa he saw his front suspension damaged and he careered off the track at the next corner.

As a result of no points scored, Hamilton gave up the standings leadership to Red Bull's Mark Webber and the Englishman offered no excuses.

He told BBC Sport; "It's not over, but it is mistakes like I made today that lose world championships. I only have myself to blame and I am very disappointed in myself.

"I had a good start and in the realistic world I should perhaps have stayed there for a while.

"I was just trying to position the car in a certain way, got too close to Felipe, he clipped my wheel and damaged the front of the car.

"There was nothing I could do. It's a little bit of a shame and I apologise to my team."

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