“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.”
McLaren announced earlier this morning that Sergio Perez would be their
replacement for Hamilton, the 22 year-old Mexican signing a multi-year
contract with the Woking-based marque.
But it is Hamilton’s switch which will send shockwaves through F1 as he now
teams up with close friend Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said: “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 Lewis shares our vision and
ambition for the success of the Silver Arrows.
“I believe 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.”
Hamilton has spent the last few weeks agonising over the decision, having
signed for McLaren aged 13.
Mercedes entered into talks with McLaren’s management company, XIX
Entertainment, several weeks ago.
Their offer was significant, not only in terms of money, but it also allowed
Hamilton greater freedom with regard to his image rights and less impact on
his personal time from sponsorship appearances.
Mercedes have only won one of 52 races since Mercedes took over Brawn GP at
the end of the 2009 season, but the core of people behind the scenes is
second to none.
Importantly, with new engine regulations due to come into force in 2014 as F1
switches to a new turbo era, Mercedes should have an advantage as a
manufacturer and with McLaren as a customer.
Norbert Haug, vice president of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: “Mercedes-Benz
has supported Lewis throughout his career, from karting, to Formula 3, to
our successful partnership with McLaren, and it will be a very nice moment
for all of us in the team to see him at the wheel of a works Silver Arrow
next season, following in the tradition of British Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix
drivers Sir Stirling Moss and Richard Seaman.
“Of course, it takes a great driver to replace such a legendary and
successful one as Michael Schumacher.
“Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an
exemplary ambassador for Mercedes.
“His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development
of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his
loyalty, team play and commitment.
“We will be working very hard together in order to achieve the best
possible results in the remainder of the 2012 season.
“The central task of any racing team is to deliver a car that allows the
drivers to fully express their talents.
“In the 52 races for our works team, we have achieved a number of
important milestones, including an historic victory for Nico Rosberg in
China this year.
“We know it is now time to take the next step, in order to deliver
consistent front-running performances in the tradition of the Silver Arrows.
“Every single person in our team is working with total commitment and
focus on achieving this ambition.”
As for Schumacher, his future is unclear, but he 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. I will now concentrate on the next races.”