Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton to join Mercedes team in 2013
Former champion Lewis Hamilton will move to Formula One’s Mercedes team next year from McLaren, leaving seven-time champion Michael Schumacher without a confirmed ride in 2013.
Separately, Formula One announced its 2013 schedule that includes two U.S. races: The inaugural Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial in New Jersey on June 16, and the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 17.
Hamilton signed a three-year contract with Mercedes. The British driver, who won the 2008 championship, is fourth in this year’s title standings.
“It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited,” Hamilton, 27, said in a report on Formula One’s website.
Less clear is the future of Schumacher, 43, who had retired after the 2006 season but then returned in 2010 with Mercedes.
It’s been a difficult comeback. Schumacher is winless since returning and so far this year he’s 12th in points with only one top-five finish in 14 races.
“I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted,” Schumacher said. “I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment.”
The inaugural Grand Prix of America is scheduled to run on a 3.2-mile street course near the New Jersey shoreline with the New York City skyline as a backdrop.
The Austin race next year would be the second at the newly built Circuit of the Americas track, which is scheduled to hold its first Formula One race this Nov. 18.
ALSO:
NFL, officials agree to eight-year deal
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
