Lewis Hamilton's hope of finally securing a win in the Brazilian Grand Prix were spoiled by another flawless drive by race winner and team mate Nico Rosberg.
For the second time in two weeks, the 2015 World Champion followed his Mercedes rival across the finish line, hot on Rosberg's heels but powerless in his efforts to gain an upper hand.
Mercedes had based both driver's initial race strategy on a two-stopper but pressure exerted by Sebastian Vettel's and Hamilton's excessive tyre wear forced the German outfit to plan an extra stop.
But the change of plan provided no edge for the British driver, although he did succeed at one point in closing the gap to just under a second with his team mate, but without being able to overtake.
"This is such a great track, but it's just so difficult to overtake," rued Hamilton.
"Nico did a fantastic job and made no mistakes today. I was behind him and in traffic for some time, and that just killed my tyres."
Seeking an alternative in his efforts to find a way around Rosberg at half distance, Hamilton exhorted his team to devise a different strategy, but to no avail.
"I just want to race, and if there are any other strategies, then let's do it, let's take a risk and do whatever. Unfortunately I couldn't get close enough to race so it was a bit boring just following in the tow."
Although Hamilton conceded in Mexico that his job was done for the year, the Mercedes driver was quick to deny allegations pointing to a lack of motivation, insisting that he was determined to finish off his successful 2015 campaign on a high.
"It's funny how journalists sometimes take one little thing and run off with it," he said.
"I came here with the same fire and desire to win this race that I've had all year long. Trust me, I did everything that was in my ability today, and exhausted every skill that I had out there to try and get by, but I just couldn't. Nico did a great job, and now we move forward, and with the last race there's still another shot."
AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix
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