F1: Hamilton leaves McLaren for Mercedes

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Lewis Hamilton will leave McLaren and race for the Mercedes Formula One team next season after agreeing a three-year deal in which the Briton replace seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher.

The former F1 world champion, whose humble background contrasts with the Monaco lifestyle he now enjoys as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, has never driven for anyone else but said it was time for a fresh challenge.

"Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share,"said the 27-year-old Hamilton, the 2008 champion and winner of 20 grands prix including three so far this season.

"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."

British media reports suggested the deal was worth 60 million pounds (S$9119.15 million) with Hamilton in line for a basic annual salary of around 15 million.