Ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have assured race fans that while they are fully prepared to battle one another, neither will do anything to compromise the team's chances.

Mindful of the clash between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in Turkey, not to mention their own little skirmish just a few laps later, some are wondering whether the McLaren duo - currently topping the standings and separated by just six points - might be heading for their own showdown. Indeed, earlier this week - no doubt with an eye on selling the few tickets that remain - Damon hill warned that the battle between the two might "boil over" this weekend. Ker-ching.

However, while both drivers are keen to win on Sunday, neither is prepared to do "anything silly".

"We both know that we are fighting for the championship and we'd love to win our home grand prix," admitted Hamilton at a media event at the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"The important thing to remember is that the championship isn't going to be won this weekend," he continued. "Emotions are high and it's a special grand prix for us but it won't be necessary to do anything silly on the last lap as there's a long, long way to go."

Referring to Hill's comments, the 2008 world champion added: "It's always very, very interesting to hear past world champions talk about present world champions. It's interesting to see how it plays out; whether they know what they are talking about or not. We'll find out later in the year I guess."

"We have respect for each other but we are here to fight against each other to become the best, and we will," added Button.

"We fight hard, as we did in Turkey but we didn't touch," he continued. "We're both very competitive and want to win but, as we keep saying, first of all you have to work together. We have done a great job so far of pushing each other really hard, not just on the circuit but off it too, with developing the car and the set-up. There's a good relationship and I'm sure it will continue but if you're both quick you will be racing wheel to wheel."