Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel recorded the fastest lap in history at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya during pre-season testing of his Ferrari on Thursday.

His efforts would be seen as cause for celebration by many - but not for reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton it seems. 

The 32-year-old Brit has rejected the validity of Vettel's time (1:17.182), arguing that it was "irrelevant" as it had taken place during testing.

"I don't know if Sebastian's is a good time or not," said Hamilton, per The Sun. "I don't think it's faster than what we did a couple of days ago. I don't know if it's a qualifying run.

"I don't really know, I don't really care. It's testing. I think someone said I was down in 11th today, it doesn't matter."

It should be noted that Vettel's recorded time of 1:17.182 dwarfs Hamilton's best effort of 1:18.400 in his Mercedes. However, Hamilton is correct in that sense that the lap will not receive official recognition as it took place during winter testing.

Rather than focus on his rivals' accomplishments, Hamilton preferred to think about his own preparations and pointed out that Mercedes have yet to fully complete their testing programme.

"It matters where we are in qualifying," he continued. "Or in Q3 in the first race when everyone's on low fuel...We've not been on low fuel yet so I have no idea where the car can go".

Vettel was Hamilton's nearest rival throughout the 2017 season and, although the German ultimately only recorded five race wins, compared to Hamilton's nine, the 30-year-old pursued the champ right until the latter stages of the season.

He will no doubt be fairly encouraged by his pace in testing, even if the time isn't officially recognised.

Hamilton has been open recently about his desire to see greater competition at the front of the grid. Although he was not willing to praise Vettel's lap time itself, he did again indicate that he would like to see his rivals performing well.

"I hope (Vettel's time is) good," he said. "I hope it's a good, good time so that means that they're strong and that means we have a race on our hands...The ultimate goal is that we hopefully have more teams fighting for the championship. That's only good for the sport."

Whilst increased competition would no doubt thrill fans, Hamilton's ultimate goal remains a fifth world championship. Sebastian Vettel, however, will no doubt be hoping to translate his form in testing to a strong performance in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 25 as he aims to secure a fifth crown of his own.