Oct.1 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton has admitted it is no longer a special feeling to beat seven time world champion Michael Schumacher.

When the 41-year-old German announced his return to formula one for 2010, McLaren driver Hamilton said it will be "an honour and privilege" to go wheel to wheel with one of his childhood heroes.

"He is one of the sport's greatest competitors, a legend -- it will be great to compete against him," said the 2008 world champion, whose F1 career began the season after Schumacher initially retired four years ago.

"It doesn't matter whether I win or lose. The fact I will be able to drive alongside Schumacher is something I can carry all my life," added Hamilton.

But 15 races into Schumacher's difficult comeback, the 25-year-old Briton admits the thrill has gone.

"In the beginning I was very excited about his comeback," Hamilton is quoted by TZ newspaper during a recent visit to Germany.

"But now it's not the same because he is mostly racing behind me. In this respect there is no value in my beating him," he revealed.

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