Lewis Hamilton has revealed that his decision to leave McLaren and join Mercedes was one of the "most difficult" that he's had to make in his life.

It was announced last week that the 27-year-old would be leaving the British team after 14 years in order to sign a three-year contract with their rivals for next season.

"No doubt it was one of the most difficult decisions I've faced in my life up to now," said Hamilton. "But a lot of other racing drivers, a lot of greats - [Alain] Prost and [Ayrton] Senna, they've all been with several teams.

"It's easy staying in the same place, but going somewhere else and taking on a new challenge is sometimes maybe even more exciting.

"I could stay in the great car that I have, which I've worked really hard to help develop with the team, or go to a car that's not so well developed and help it."

Hamilton has six races left with McLaren, starting with the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka this weekend.