With one swift statement, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have confirmed a story that’s been doing the rounds for several months – both will link up in Formula One from 2013.
The Brit driver, and 2008 World Champion – whose McLaren seat will be taken by Sergio Perez – is still in with a shot at taking the title this year. Throughout his career in the top level of motorsport, Hamilton has been powered by Mercedes-Benz engines – the step from McLaren, a “customer” team, to a works outfit like Mercedes, could be beneficial come the 2014 engine rule changes.
Photo: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“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 Formula 1 team,” said Hamilton.
“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.”
With the announcement of Hamilton’s signature, it appears that the second-coming of Michael Schumacher is over. The German legend has been disappointing in his two-and-a-half seasons back in the sport, recording only a single podium finish, in Valencia earlier this year.
Nico Rosberg seemed excited about the new face in his team, tweeting the following;
https://twitter.com/nico_rosberg/status/251608110748295169
“I am delighted to welcome Lewis Hamilton to our team,” said Mercedes boss Ross Brawn. “The arrival of a driver of Lewis’ calibre is a testament to the standing of Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1 and I am proud that Lewis shares our vision and ambition for the success of the Silver Arrows.
“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.”
Photo: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Alan Gent
October 1, 2012
Predictable given his emotional fragility, but not a good move IMO. I suspect what he is looking for is a similar situation to Schumacher at Ferrari where they built the team around him. He would never get that at McLaren with their equality status. But first, of course, he has to blow away Rosberg.
FrankieJap
October 4, 2012
I don’t get it. It seems he’s downgrading himself there. At McLaren he’d have more chances of landing a title.