British Formula Lewis Hamilton British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is to leave British team McLaren after signing a three-year deal to race for Mercedes from next season. The move was announced here Friday, causing huge repercussions throughout Formula 1.
It has forced Michael Schumacher out of Mercedes but it is not clear whether the German legend will go back into retirement or look for another team.
Sauber team driver Sergio Perez has signed as Hamilton\'s replacement at McLaren.
\"It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter,\" said 2008 world champion Hamilton, who will partner Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.
\"Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share. He told world media.
\"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\".
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said: \"I believe that the combination of Lewis and Nico will be the most dynamic and exciting pairing on the grid next year and I am looking forward to what we can achieve together.
\"Over the past three years, we have been putting in place the foundations and building blocks that are needed to compete regularly for the world championship. The potential is now there to match any other team on the grid\".
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said Hamilton had written \"a huge chapter of his life and career with us\", adding: \"It goes without saying that we all wish him well for the future\".
Although Hamilton\'s salary at Mercedes will be larger than the one he was offered by McLaren - and he has more opportunity to earn money through personal sponsorships and endorsements - sources close to the Englishman insist he has switched teams with a view to long-term performance, according to BBC report.
McLaren have the fastest car this season, while Mercedes have slipped backwards after a promising start to the year.
But Mercedes have sold the move to Hamilton on the basis that they are preparing for a huge push in 2014, when new chassis and engine rules are introduced.
Schumacher\'s future is uncertain. Sauber team boss Peter Sauber said a week ago that he would offer the seven-time world champion a drive if he became available.