And, it's done...
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Hamilton signs new deal with MercedesMONACO, Monaco - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton signed a new 3-year deal with Mercedes on Wednesday, ending rumours of his potential move to Ferrari.
The deal was announced ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.
Since leaving McLaren in 2013, Hamilton has competed in 43 races, winning 15 and securing a further 11 podium finishes to replace four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel —
the only other driver to beat him this season — as
the sport's No. 1 driver.
Hamilton currently leads teammate Nico Rosberg by 20 points after three wins in five races this season.
"Mercedes is my home and I couldn't be happier to be staying here for another three years," Hamilton said. "This is a company filled with
real passionate racers, from
the board room to
the factory floor, and an incredible hunger to win. Even after
the success of last year, that hunger is greater than ever - and it's
the same for me, too."
Last year, Hamilton won 11 races as
he claimed a second world title. His consistency has seen him reach
the podium in 21 of
the past 24 races since
the beginning of last season, with 14 wins, five second-place finishes and two third places. With 36 career race wins, and given Mercedes' superior speed,
he should overtake Vettel's 40 wins this year.
"
The Mercedes car I am driving right now is
the best I have ever had in my career," Hamilton said. "It's just so much fun to be out there every weekend, on
the limit and fighting to win at every track. Mercedes-Benz began supporting me in 1998 so I am very proud that this contract means I will mark 20 years with Mercedes in 2018."
Hamilton, who represents himself since splitting with his advisers after last season, fueled
the suspense by remaining silent over his future for a long period.
He said in March that
the new deal was almost signed with only small details
left to take care of, but negotiations took a long time to be concluded.
"Continuity is one of
the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and
we now have that in place," Mercedes head of Motorsport Toto Wolff said. "Lewis enjoyed an historic world championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for
the next term.
"
We have taken
the right amount of time with
the process and not rushed ourselves.
The result is a strong agreement that will enhance Lewis' association with
the Mercedes-Benz brand, and that recognizes and respects
the market value of Lewis and of Mercedes in Formula One."
Mercedes did not reveal
the financial aspects of
the deal, which is estimated to be worth 90 million pounds ($140 million).
where?
Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point. 
After the agony of defeat, success will be sweet!
))
