Sport
Lewis Hamilton moves to Mercedes – replaces Michael Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton (l) replaces Michael Schumacher at Mercedes. PHOTO/SkySports News
Lewis Hamilton is moving to Mercedes, replacing seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher in a major shakeup that also saw Sergio Perez sign with McLaren.
Hamilton has been at McLaren throughout his F1 career but the British team had been unwilling to match a lucrative offer from Mercedes, where he will team with Nico Rosberg next season on a three-year contract.
The deal, which had been rumored for weeks, was confirmed by Mercedes on Friday shortly after McLaren announced its signing of Perez.
“It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter,” Hamilton said. “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,” the 27-year-old Hamilton added. “I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the world championships.”
Hamilton won his F1 title with McLaren in 2008, but the past two seasons have featured a mixture of brilliant driving, and controversial moments.
The 43-year-old Schumacher has struggled for consistency since coming out of retirement in 2010 to join Mercedes. Now in his third season back, the German has managed only one podium finish — third place — during that time. This season, he has retired from seven races.
