Japanese GP: Rosberg 'had to avoid collision' with Hamilton

The front row starters went through Turns 1 and 2 side by side after Hamilton made the better start from second on the grid, and the world champion emerged in the lead as Rosberg ran slightly off track on the outside and slipped to fourth at Turn 2.

"I've not seen it on TV, but it was close," said Rosberg. "I had to avoid a collision, but it's difficult to comment.

"The car is really back to its best - it was a pity to lose out at the start.

"It was a battle round Turn 1 and 2, and it got very close on the exit of Turn 2 so I had to back out of it and that lost me the race.

"Lewis just got a better start. In Turn 2 he had the inside and he made it stick."

Hamilton said he suffered with understeer as the two Mercedes fought over the lead.

"I didn't feel it was particularly that close," said the winner. "The inside line is the inside line so it was my corner.

"We were very close - I was understeering, running out of grip.

"I imagine Nico ran out of road but that is what happens when you're on the outside."