Lewis Hamilton is no longer with McLaren after agreeing to sign a new Formula F1 contract with Mercedes. Hamilton replaces seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher. In another major move Sergio Perez has signed with McLaren.
Hamilton has spent his entire professional career at McLaren but the team was unwilling to match a lucrative offer made by Mercedes. Lewis will join Nico Rosberg on a three-year contract.
In a statement announcing the move Lewis Hamilton said:
“It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter. 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.”
The volatile Hamilton won the F1 title in 2008 but since that time has been characterized for a mixture of clashes with fellow drivers marked by moments of brilliant driving.
Hamilton replaces Schumacher who has struggled since joining Mercedes in 2010. After coming out of retirement Schumacher has managed just one podium finish in third place.
Speaking of the decision by Mercedes to replace him Schumacher said:
“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. 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.”
Do you think Lewis Hamilton will be a good fit on the Mercedes Formula F1 team?
