Lewis Hamilton has confirmed that he will leave McLaren at the end of the season to start a "fresh challenge" with Mercedes.

The Stevenage-born driver, who spent 14 years at McLaren, has expressed his 'excitement' in signing a three-year deal and replacing Michael Schumacher in the German-based team.

"It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for Mercedes," said Hamilton.

"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."

Hamilton will be replaced at McLaren by Sauber driver Sergio Perez.