Lewis Hamilton has denied "ever" asking for number 1 status at a formula one team.
With the world champion’s new Mercedes contract now repeatedly delayed, boss Toto Wolff on Thursday denied a sticking point is that Hamilton has asked for preferential status over Nico Rosberg.
Hamilton, 30, concurs: "I have never asked to be number 1 in a contract.
"Vettel may have that clause," he is quoted by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, "or Alonso, who always asks for it.
"But I want to beat the guy at my side on equal terms. I know many people in the paddock would be happy with it (number 1 status), but it is not for me," added Hamilton.
Also in Bahrain, however, Alonso denied his 2007 McLaren teammate’s claims.
"The press always says that I ask to be treated as the first driver," he said, "but it’s not true.
"Just now in China, Jenson (Button) ran with a diffuser that I did not have, because there was only one," added Alonso, referring to his current McLaren teammate.