London, Sep 28
McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton Friday moved to Mercedes, signing a three-year contract as a replacement for seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
Schumachers's future plans were immediately not known but reports suggest that there won't be any management role for the German since Niki Lauda has already been announced as a non-executive chairman of the team.
Schumacher, who came out of his retirement to join Mercedes three years ago, has also been linked with a move to BMW Sauber.
In a statement released by Mercedes, Schumacher wished Hamilton and the team best of luck.
"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," he said.
Hamilton said he was looking forward to the stint as a fresh challenge.
"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. 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," he said.
Mercedes' team principal Ross Brawn chose his words carefully while thanking Schumacher.
?I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons,? said Brawn.
?His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael,? he added.
BMW Sauber's Sergio Perez has been roped in by McLaren as a replacement for Hamilton. The Mexican, who has already scored two podiums this season, has been signed by McLaren on a multi-year contract.
"I've spent the 2012 season working very hard to demonstrate my potential, but I've always remained humble and focused. I am, and always will be, extremely grateful to Peter (Sauber) and everybody at the Sauber Formula One team for their belief in me, and for giving me the chance to race in Formula One," he said.
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