Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team is set to replace its current race driver Michael Schumacher and has signed the Lewis Hamilton from the McLaren F1 team, in a desperate bid to claim the title spot form Ferrari, in the next 2013-14 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 Formula One Champion, has signed a three year deal worth up to £ 60 million, besides comprising winning bonuses with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team that will entail him to commit to the new association until 2016. The Briton racing star cited the need for a 'fresh new challenge', towards his decision of cutting ties with his childhood team McLaren, which he joined as a 13 year old. McLaren found and appreciated the raw talent of the teen-aged karting prodigy, and the association had lasted for 14 years.
Commenting on his shocking decision and what the future it holds for the 2008 world champion, in an interview 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 motor sport, 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.” The immensely talented racing genius will partner with Nico Rosberg as his fellow team mate at Mercedes from next Formula season.
Expressing his views on the new development, Ross Brawn, the Mercedes F1 team Principal 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.”
Reportedly, McLaren has signed Sauber-Ferrari driver Sergio Perez as Hamilton's replacement for the next season and it will be interesting to see how the die hard fans of McLaren receive the new 22 year old Mexican rookie driver. Hamilton's decision may prove to be big blow for McLaren team, who will miss the speed and extraordinary talents of their home boy, whom they took care of since his teens. At present, McLaren are second on the constructor charts while Lewis Hamilton is currently on fourth place and is chasing a 52 point deficit between him and top positioned Fernando Alonso in the driver standings.
