Hamilton might speak cautiously in future

His teammate Fernando Alonso suggested on Thursday that Hamilton's remarks in the press conference were the trigger for the controversy - which saw McLaren castigated in the British press for allegedly favouring Alonso over Hamilton, and then investigated by the FIA for a possible breach of the sporting code. The team were completely exonerated by the governing body.

Hamilton said that his references to having his strategy changed mid-race and being "the number two driver" reflected his immediate feelings, but that he would exercise more care in the future.

"I think it's always a learning experience," he told the British press in Montreal. "Maybe next time I might watch what I say, but I just said what I felt. I'm only human.

"Sometimes your feelings need to be expressed and (let) everybody know how you feel. It's all right putting a big smile on your face but maybe next time I might control it a little better."

He said he did not feel any extra need to assert himself within McLaren.

"I've just got to remember the fact that I'm extremely privileged to be part of such a wonderful team," Hamilton said.

"I'd do anything for this team. I've bonded with the guys so well at testing and over the years I've been here. I believe I've got a special relationship, just because they've seen me grow up. They want me to win just as much I want to win for them.

"I don't feel there is a need to get a special message across. They can see I'm doing a good job. I think when I do win they'll be excited."

But Hamilton added that he would never allow himself to fall into a subservient number two position as Rubens Barrichello had done alongside Michael Schumacher at Ferrari.

"I hate the situation that Rubens was in. If that was ever the case I would not be there much longer," he said.