Lewis Hamilton shoots Fernando Alonso as dig that didn't air on TV emerges

Lewis Hamilton has claimed he and Fernando Alonso had "different careers" in a blow against his former team-mate after the duo reunited at the Belgian Grand Prix. It came after Alonso called Hamilton an "idiot" moments after the pair collided on the opening lap.

Alonso even suggested that Hamilton only knew how to drive when he started from the front. Speaking to Brazilian TV, Hamilton said: "I prefer not to comment on that. We've had different results in our careers. That's the kind of thing you say in the heat of the moment."

Hamilton and Alonso came to blows after the duo had strong starts and overtook Sergio Perez's Red Bull. Hamilton was on the slipstream of Kemmel's quick straight and swept to the outside in an effort to secure second.

It looked like the seven-time champion could pull off the move, but he turned around too soon and they made contact. Alonso's front wing hit the sidewall of Hamilton's right rear tire, sending the Mercedes flying.

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Hamilton suffered terminal damage and retired from the race at the end of the first lap. Reacting to the post-race collision, Hamilton took the blame but was left frustrated by Alonso's remarks.

He explained, "I know that's how things feel in the heat right now, but it's nice to know how he feels about me in some way, better than let it be out in the open, how he feels. Like I said, it wasn't intentional and I take responsibility for that. That's what adults do."

Hamilton has revealed he won't be talking to Alonso until the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort next weekend.

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He added: "I mean, I would have done it until I heard what he said, so it's unfortunate. I mean, it's motor racing, I I gave it my all. I tried to overtake on the outside on turn five, I just didn't give enough space and I paid the price. It wasn't intentional, it just happened."

Alonso said he was "surprised" that Hamilton took responsibility for the accident, but admitted it was "very nice of him". Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate George Russell was unable to hold on to the leaders on Sunday but was fast enough for fourth place.

The result saw the former Williams man extend his championship advantage over Hamilton to 24 points with just eight races remaining.