Lewis Hamilton denies asking for 'number one' clause in Mercedes contract

Reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has denied reports that he has asked to have 'number one' status written into his new Mercedes contract.

The 30-year-old Brit, who has had a frosty relationship with teammate Nico Rosberg in the past, has insisted that he wants both drivers to be on equal terms where races are concerned.

However, he did suggest that Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso are likely to have such clauses included in their deals at Ferrari and McLaren respectively.

"I've never, ever, ever asked for a number one clause," Hamilton told Sky Sports News. "Sebastian will have that. Fernando always asks for that. I have never, ever asked for that.

"I want to beat the guy, at his best, next to me and then I'll know where I stand. It's never been a case of wanting to tie someone's hands behind their back and beat them and be happy with it. I know a lot of people here would be happy with that, but that's not me."

Hamilton is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.