Lewis Hamilton has revved up his rivalry with former teammate Jenson Button by saying the idea of beating his countryman "doesn’t excite me".
The Britons were paired together at McLaren between 2010 and last season, but Hamilton has switched camps over the winter to Mercedes.
Button seems happy with what most pundits are describing as ’de-facto’ number 1 status alongside team newcomer and youngster Sergio Perez.
"It’s unbelievably different," he beamed, according to the Guardian.
"I’m really loving my job at the moment."
But over at Mercedes, Hamilton shrugged at the suggestion beating Button at the wheel of a different silver car is an exciting prospect.
"The rivalry between me and Fernando (Alonso) excites me more," he is quoted by the Daily Mail.
"You also want to beat Seb(astian Vettel), as they are the ones with the most titles. But Alonso’s the fastest driver I can see."
Whether Hamilton has the most respect for him or not, 33-year-old Button is happy with his lot, insisting he won’t be following Hamilton in the chase for a fresh challenge.
"I feel very at home. I feel like I’d like to end my career here," he said.