Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has claimed that he 'regrets' clashing with teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix, but has suggested that it was not a deliberate act.

The German driver opened up a 29-point lead over the Brit in the Drivers' Championship by finishing second at Spa Francorchamps after Hamilton was forced to retire early due to the pair's collision.

Rosberg tried to overtake Hamilton on lap two, but ended up clipping his teammate's left rear tyre, causing a puncture which the Englishman has claimed was a deliberate act from the 29-year-old.

Rosberg has responded to the incident on Facebook, with the message: "As drivers, we are here to entertain and to show the fans a good time, so our duels are always on the limit. I regret that Lewis and myself touched, but I see it as a racing incident - just as the stewards did.

"I was quicker down the straight and went to the outside as the inside line was blocked. I gave it a go and, after we touched, I realized that my front wing was damaged and thought that was it. In the next second I saw that Lewis also had a problem, which was very unfortunate for him and for the team. We sat down quickly after the race but there will be some more meetings to be held in to avoid races."

Rosberg has extended his lead over Hamilton in the standings with seven races left to go in the Formula 1 calendar.