Coulthard apologies for Schuey war of words

The Scot finished second after a race-long fight to hang on to third place in the drivers' championship but a brief 'off' in the early stages cost him the chance of victory.

Seconds after the race was over he congratulated the German for winning the race and the championship.

The Scot had led attacks on the German for his swerving tactics off the grid in the French Grand Prix and the war of words rumbled on since then with Eddie Irvine calling him a "bully" and Jacques Villeneuve criticising him for "lacking morals".

"I wanted to wipe the slate clean," said Coulthard.

"Actually I wanted to do it before the race but it was difficult to find a way without showing a weakness for the race. I am embarrassed about some of the things I have said and I have been too public and perhaps should have said things to his face first.

"I apologised to Michael and told him he's a great champion and I am looking forward to competing against him next season. We all react in heat of the moment sometimes you regret the things you say.

"I shouldn't have got drawn into speaking to people through the press. I regret that and wanted to correct the problem. There are always differences of opinion. I am not saying I was wrong. Maybe I was wrong sometimes and right in others. In the heat of battle it is sometimes difficult to show a weakness to your rivals."

The Scot had briefly led the race until an off cost him the chance of victory but secured third place in the constructors by holding Rubens Barrichello to third.

"I went wide at the exit to Turn 6 picking up some grass and the team thought it was better to stop and clear it from the radiators inlets so I could make it to the end of the race," he said.

"After that I was stuck behind Michael but was putting him under as much pressure as I could. If he had made a mistake I would have got past him but he didn't.

"I'm already looking forward to Australia."

To see the final results of the Malaysian GP click HERE.

To see how the race unfolded with autosport.com's lap by lap report click HERE.

To see the final drivers' championship standings click HERE.

To see the final constructors' standings click HERE.