Lewis Hamilton has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract with world champion team Mercedes.

After weeks of speculation surrounding his future at the team, the Brit’s new deal will see him drive for the Brackley squad until the end of the 2018 season.

Since joining the outfit from McLaren in 2013, the 30-year-old has scored 15 race victories culminating in a second world championship last season.

“Mercedes is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here for another three years,” said Hamilton.

“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.

“The Mercedes car I am driving right now is the best I have ever had in my career; 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.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says extending Hamilton’s contract with the team was a priority having secured team-mate Nico Rosberg on a new two-year deal last season.

“Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place,” said Wolff.

“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 recognises and respects the market value of Lewis and of Mercedes in Formula One.”