Hamilton says new Mercedes rules won't change anything

The world champion and teammate Nico Rosberg met with team chiefs Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe on Thursday morning to discuss how they move on from their Austrian Grand Prix collision.

And although a Mercedes statement said a plan had been put in place that included 'deterrents', Hamilton said it would not change anything for him.

“In all honestly, destiny has always been in my hands,” he said. “It doesn't change anything. We are still able to race, which is a positive. [There are] no team orders, which I think is great for the fans – so everyone should be excited.”

Mercedes has not disclosed what deterrents are in place for its drivers, but when asked if they were 'scary' Hamilton said: “I guess I should yes.”

Hamilton was further pushed on if the new rules laid down would alter the way the pair compete on track – especially in light of incidents like Austin and Suzuka where they did not collide but there was controversy – and he responded: “Unfortunately everything that has been said is private and confidential

“We are still able to race...in all of those races, the stewards deemed me racing, so I still race like that.”

Booing no issue

Hamilton also said that the negative crowd reaction after Austria, where he was booed on the podium, would not have any affect on him this weekend.

“Someone mentioned to me that some of the fans didn't see everything that didn't happen and someone told me that someone said I rammed Nico off – so understand if it is first reaction,” he said.

“This weekend the cheers will make those boos so small which is a good thing.”