Lewis Hamilton admits he cannot afford to make any more mistakes if he is to claim his first Formula One title.

The McLaren driver leads Ferrari's Felipe Massa by one point ahead of the forthcoming Singapore Grand Prix, with just four races remaining.

"I'm in the lead because I've made fewer mistakes. You have to enter each race with heart but you also have to be smart," Hamilton, 23, told BBC Sport.

"I can't afford any more mistakes, definitely not."

Hamilton finished seventh in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, as Brazilian Massa cut his lead.

Formula One's night debut in Singapore is next up, followed by Japan, China, and then the conclusion in Brazil, and Hamilton says he has already put the Monza race behind him.

"I really have a skill where I am able to put a previous disappointment behind me," Hamilton said, referring to the Monza race, which was won by German Sebastian Vettel.

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"Singapore is a night time circuit, which none of us have experienced before, but we'll be OK," the English driver added.

"I have to make every sacrifice in the last four races. I honestly feel confident in my ability to win the championship."