@Silver Arrow I've been virtually willing this to happen since EJ set the rumourmill into overdrive alongside Ernie's little slip up. Great to see Lewis a Silver Arrow man.Guilted one at that...Woke up switched the tv on and haven't stopped smiling yet..there's also the re-shaping at McLaren now he's gone and maybe it just might give them the kick up the backside they've been needing for a good while. They've brought this on them selves imo with the way they've gone about their business in recent years so i think the time was right for Lewis to move on and accept a new challenge come what may...but with Brawn and Merc's ambition i think it could be a really shrewd move...am still smiling ....
Money motivated? Maybe... Factory team backing from 2014 onwards? Def. a factor! Being undisputed #1 in the team, I think thats one of the biggest factors?
Also Bernie will be chuffed, he wants Mercedes to remain in F1 and now with one of the three best drivers in their car, I can't see them dumping the sport and moving on.. The boys from Stuggart may go into uber-overdrive mode and put even more money into their development and give Lewis a championship winning car from the start of 2013 onwards!
It is Perez as Whitmarsh and Perez have come out speaking about partnering up next year. And he is saying "McLaren" like a proper McLaren driver: Perez..."Vodafone McLaren Mercedes" Already a done deal.
Barring a shock last minute Sauber move yeah. Hopefully he can give himself a good send off in these last 6 races.
What a way to push out a driver, Michael didn't even make an announcement. Well, if he goes to Sauber, that would be good for old times sake.
Lewis knows that Ferrari will attract 2 other top drivers. His contract certianly has performance release clause, which means he is free to go at any point if Mercedes doesn't perform. RBR will have empty spot in 2014., and McLaren may also have empty spot in near future again. It is a risky move, similar to Alonso move from McLaren to Renault in 2008., but it can work, and if Lewis performs well on track he will find another good spot to be.
I love how Brundle pretty much called this and hijacked Eddies scoop. Im going to erge this by the way with the other hamilton thread
Schumacher's future is uncertain. Sauber team boss Peter Sauber said a week ago that he would offer the seven-time champion a drive if he became available. Despite the Swiss team's strong displays this season, that would be seen as a significant comedown for a man who was expected to win on his return. Instead, Schumacher's comeback after three years in retirement has been a huge disappointment. The 43-year-old German has scored only one podium finish in three years. In a statement, Schumacher thanked Mercedes for their "trust" and "unconditonal commitment". "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," he said. "I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I will now concentrate on the next races."
Hamilton's salary at Mercedes. 2013: € 19 million. 2014: 25M. 2015: 31 million. Variable according to the results of the pilot.
I wouldnt mind him picking up one more podium.. for old times sake just for the F1 world to say goodbye
