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Sebastian Vettel believes his first-lap clash with Formula 1 rival Daniil Kvyat in the Chinese Grand Prix was ultimately a racing incident.

Vettel was furious with Kvyat after the Russian dived down the inside at the first corner at Shanghai, with Vettel taking avoiding action and hitting Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

While Vettel does not regret anything he said when he argued over the clash with Kvyat in China, he has now put it down to a racing incident.

"We are racing," said Vettel. "In the end it was a racing incident.

"It was probably the best outcome for him because he made up the places and didn't have a problem with the car.

"For myself and Kimi it was not that great but these things happen."

Vettel added he was amazed people were still talking about the incident and explained how emotions can run high after a race.

"Honestly, I'm surprised that two weeks after it's still a topic," he said.

"Everything that needed to be said has been said.

"I didn't know that it was on camera but it doesn't change anything, I would say the same again.

"After the race you are a bit hot and emotions are pumping but equally that's what we want so why should I sit here now and say maybe I should have been a little more quiet?

"We are racing and you also say things sometimes that afterwards you wouldn't say exactly the same but in that situation I said it the way I said it.

"I don't think I said anything bad, I get along with him really well."

When asked if he was happy with everything that went on after watching a video of the incident, Kvyat said: Yeah, I'm very happy actually.

"Everything confirmed my point of view. Obviously everyone told their opinions on that incident.

"I think all in all I did what any competitive racing driver would do but now I think there has been enough talk about it.

"Now it's time to turn the page and move forward and now we are fully focused on the upcoming races."