Lewis Hamilton has signed a three-year contract to race for the Mercedes Formula 1 team beginning next season.
Friday's announcement by the team ends weeks of speculation about the Briton's future with McLaren -- a team he joined when he was 13 years old.
"Looking ahead to 2013, I am delighted to welcome Lewis Hamilton to our team," Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said in a statement.
"The arrival of a driver of Lewis' caliber is a testament to the standing of Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1 and I am proud that Lewis shares our vision and ambition for the success of the Silver Arrows," Brawn added.
Hamilton, who won his only world championship title with McLaren in 2008 said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the [Mercedes] team. Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share," Hamilton said in a statement.
Hamilton will partner Nico Rosberg in 2013 with Michael Schumacher making way.
Brawn thanked the seven-time world champion, who came out of retirement to join Mercedes in 2010, for his contribution during his three seasons at Mercedes.
"His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael," Brawn said in a statement.
