Mercedes have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will replace Michael Schumacher for the 2013 season and beyond, following news that Sergio Perez will join McLaren.
The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal to partner Nico Rosberg, though it’s believed he has been offered clear number one status within the Anglo-German team.
Speaking about the move, the 2008-champion said he was ready for a fresh challenge at a team he can grow and win championships with.
“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,” Hamilton said in a statement. “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.”
Team principal Ross Brawn welcomed Hamilton’s arrival and the potential he brings to the team which now has “the most dynamic and exciting driver pairing on the grid.
“I am delighted to welcome Lewis Hamilton to our team. The arrival of a driver of Lewis’ calibre is a testament to the standing of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One 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.
“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. Behind the scenes, we have assembled a team that is technically stronger, more experienced and better resourced, thanks to the support of Petronas and all of our loyal team partners. The potential is now there to match any other team on the grid, which is the minimum standard for a Mercedes-Benz works team. Our task is now to translate that potential into on-track performance for next season and beyond.”
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