Lewis Hamilton: Hitting Nico Rosberg in F1 US GP 'not intentional'

Rosberg felt Hamilton's move into Turn 1 on the opening lap at Austin was "extremely aggressive" as the duo bumped wheels, which was "one step too far" according to the German.

The incident sparked memories of their clash in Belgium 14 months ago, and Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff confirmed talks are to take place in which the drivers will be reminded of their responsibilities.

Hamilton was adamant his actions were a consequence of the conditions at the time.

"I didn't try and push him hard, it wasn't intentional," said Hamilton.

"I've watched a replay, we were both on wets and the outside is always the grippier side, so Nico had the grippier line, but I was ahead so it was my line.

"We went in, I started to turn, but I understeered into him. He steered round and we touched.

"I don't feel like I was aggressive. At the end of the day I was on the inside so it was my line.

"Of course, there are always those comments [from Rosberg] that come up, but I would never intentionally do something like that to my team-mate."

Although Hamilton intimated after qualifying he would not take risks in the wet conditions amid the chance to seal the title, at no stage did he give any quarter in the battles he faced.

"I don't go into a race to finish second," added Hamilton.

"Growing up, as a family we never had anything handed to us. We always had to grab it with both hands and push for it.

"Fortunately no one had any damage and Nico got into back the lead."

A mistake from Rosberg 10 laps from the end ultimately handed Hamilton victory, though the champion laughed he was "going to take him anyway".

"Somehow I was going to get past him in those 10 laps," Hamilton added. "I generally disagree with him."

Suggested to Hamilton he faced talks with Wolff and non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the 30-year-old replied: "No need.

"Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but it doesn't matter because I won the race, so I feel pretty good about it."