Nico Rosberg says his retirement at the Italian Grand Prix leaves him feeling he has "nothing to lose" in the title race against Lewis Hamilton.

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With Hamilton winning at Monza and Rosberg retiring in the closing laps, the defending champion now has a 53-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate.

Rosberg admits he was hugely disappointed with the way the European season ended, but insists it takes the pressure off as he will employ an aggressive approach to the remaining races.

"Obviously, Monza didn't go to plan," Rosberg said. "It was gutting to miss out on a good result so close to the end but now I approach the final seven races with the attitude that there's nothing to lose. It's maximum attack and I won't be giving up the fight, no way.

"Singapore is one of my favourite races, so that's a good place to start. It's so tough on everyone – physically and mentally – and I love that challenge. I was only a few thousandths off pole last year and feeling good for the race until a problem with the steering wheel ended my weekend.

"I know I've got the pace to win there, so I'm hoping for a clean weekend and a chance to unleash this silver beast under the lights." Rosberg has yet to win in Singapore, with a best result of second place in 2008 when driving for Williams.