Lewis Hamilton says he understands teammate Rosberg's frustration, but is busy planning a series of parties to celebrate his world title
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates with some champagne atop the podium after winning the US GP on Sunday. Inset: Nico Rosberg
Austin: Formula One's newly-crowned triple world champion Lewis Hamilton insists there is no need to stage clear-the-air talks with Mercedes over his first-corner clash with Nico Rosberg at the USGP. Hamilton was accused of going "too far" by Rosberg and his team boss Toto Wolff after he banged wheels with his teammate on the exit of Turn One in Sunday's thrilling race.
Also Read: Nico Rosberg blasts 'aggressive' Lewis Hamilton as bad blood boils over
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates with some champagne atop the podium after winning the US GP on Sunday. Inset: Nico Rosberg. Pics/AFP
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Wolff later vowed to discuss the incident with Hamilton, but the Brit said: "There's no need. Everyone has a right to an opinion but it doesn't matter. I won the race and feel pretty good about it." Rosberg would go on to regain the lead of Sunday's topsy-turvy race, before he made an unforced error with just seven laps remaining. Rather than reflect on his own error, the German appeared all-consumed in waging war with Hamilton.
Also Read: Lewis Hamilton clinches third F1 title after United States GP win
At one stage Rosberg threw a cap back at his teammate after the Briton flung it over to him to wear for the podium celebrations. Hamilton explained: "I picked up the three caps and threw his over to him and said 'here you go, mate' and it came back at me. I can understand how it is. It's the worst thing to be my teammate.
On top of that he was disappointed with himself and his mistake, and when you're disappointed with yourself, the result is unbearable. So, I don't take anything from it. I've seen Nico in lots of different lights over the years. The cap came past me and I'm like 'no problem', I understand."
Rosberg later put his ill-feeling towards Hamilton aside and joined the Brit and his Mercedes team to celebrate at a downtown bar here. He even took to the stage to sing Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer. Now, Hamilton wants to see out the season by winning the final three races to match Sebastian Vettel's record of 13 wins in one year. Then, party.
Two months of partying
"Until last year I didn't drink a lot but it's changed this year. You'd be really proud to know how much I consumed. I've enjoyed this year like it was my last. We've still got time to go, so I plan the next couple of months to be party time. My mum's 60th is coming up, I've got friends' events, more races, the team after-year party... jeez, man, I've got to get some good sleep because there's going to be a lot of partying as far as I'm concerned."
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