Lewis Hamilton agrees three-year deal with Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has shocked the sporting world by agreeing a three-year deal with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, after weeks of speculation regarding the Briton’s future within the sport. This move will see Lewis Hamilton replace Michael Schumacher within the team, with Sergio Perez confirmed at McLaren.

The 2008 World Champion has been supported by McLaren since the early stages of the his career, and has raced for the team since his debut season in Formula 1 in 2007. Over recent years, speculation has gathered momentum of Lewis Hamilton potentially moving away from the Woking-based outfit, with rumors of the Briton joining either Ferrari or Red Bull. However, after BBC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan hinted at a possible move to Mercedes, the allegations have dominated the sports headlines.

“It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team.” Explained Lewis Hamilton, after remaining coy on a possible move to Brackley over recent weeks. “Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share. Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the World Championships.”

This move will possibly see the end of Michael Schumacher’s career in Formula 1, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace the veteran alongside Nico Rosberg next season. Unless the German can find another drive for 2013, it looks set that his three-year return to the sport will end without any major successes, the likes of which were predicted back in 2010 when he announced his return to the sport.

“I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side.” Said Michael Schumacher, whose personal best finish with Mercedes has so far been 3rd at this year’s European Grand Prix. “I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.”

With Mercedes only recording one victory in the sport since their return in 2010, Lewis Hamilton is unquestionably playing a big gamble in joining the German marque. Winning the 2013 Drivers’ Championship is highly unlikely for the Briton, however with the major changes in the regulations for 2014, the 2008 World Champion could well find success with the Brackley-based outfit.

Regardless of whether Lewis Hamilton will finally find success with Mercedes, it’s undeniable that his move from McLaren will go down as one of the biggest driver changes the sport has, and will, ever see.

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