F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2014: Nico Rosberg admits his 'regret' over Lewis Hamilton incident at Spa

Rosberg touched Hamilton causing his Mercedes team-mate to eventually retire

Nico Rosberg has admitted for the first time to "regret" over his Spa shame with Lewis Hamilton, but is still refusing to apologise. (Getty Images)

Nico Rosberg has admitted for the first time to "regret" over his Spa shame with Lewis Hamilton, but is still refusing to apologise.

It is now all-out war at Mercedes between Hamilton and Rosberg in the wake of Sunday's highly-controversial Belgian Grand Prix.

Hamilton's race was wrecked by a lap-two puncture sustained after the front right-wing endplate of Rosberg's car hit his left-rear tyre, resulting in a puncture.

The Briton was eventually forced to retire late on in the race due to the damage sustained to his car from a long return to the pits, whilst Rosberg went on to claim second place behind Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo.

The incident eventually forced Hamilton to retire (Getty Images)

Hamilton later claimed the German said his actions were intentional in a heated post-race meeting between himself, Rosberg, motorsport boss Toto Wolff, executive technical director Paddy Lowe and non-executive chairman Niki Lauda.

Rosberg has not said as such publicly, and via his Facebook page continued to suggest what unfolded was "a racing incident".

"That was a tough race," said Rosberg.

"We had the pace to win, but the incident cost us a top result, so I'm really disappointed because for the team it was a bad day.

"As drivers we are here to entertain and 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 realised my front wing was damaged and thought that was it.

"In the next second I saw 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 order to avoid races like this."

The reaction at the circuit resulted in Rosberg being booed on the podium on four separate occasions, whilst the reaction on Facebook to his own comments were mixed.

Whilst many fans naturally expressed support, there was an equal number - many simply F1 followers and not those who support Hamilton - who called him 'a cheat'.

PA