Daniel Ricciardo says he would be happy to endure tensions with team mate Max Verstappen if the pair are fighting for the title in 2018.
The Red Bull Racing pair have always enjoyed a good relationship despite their huge competitive spirit.
With the Milton-Keynes outfit looking to bridge the gap with its rivals this year, both Ricciardo and Verstappen are hoping to be in a position to fight for the title, a state of affairs the Aussie is confident he can handle.
"If it's ultimately deciding a world title we would happily run with that challenge," he said.
"We both said at the start of last year that it would be a good problem to have -- if we're both fighting at the front and having some battles. We'll see if I keep him on my birthday list.
"I believe this year we will close the gap. Is it enough to fight for a title? I think we can certainly get close but we'll see."
The prospect of the bulls racing at the front would obviously force the Honey Badger to contend with his ever-improving young team mate
"Max improved from 2016 to last year," he admitted.
"I won't say he came a long way because he was always there but he certainly improved and I think next year it's going to be a lot of fun."
Ricciardo admits however he has some of his own improving to do as well.
"I had some great races, but obviously I would love all 20 to be great and not all 20 were," he says.
"Obviously I give every year a good crack, but (I want to) give this year a proper crack. I was pretty pleased with last year but I've still got some improvements to make."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
