McLaren's Lewis Hamilton is looking forwarding to racing with Michael Schumacher in 2010, after the German champion was confirmed as a Mercedes GP driver earlier today. Schumacher won his record-breaking seven world titles while Hamilton was working his way through the ranks of British and European motorsport, but their F1 careers have not yet overlapped.

“It's great to have Michael back in Formula 1. He is a legend and a really nice guy, and I am happy for him that he has once again got an opportunity to do the best job in the world – race in Formula 1!” said Lewis. “I used to watch Michael race when I was in the junior categories, and I always hoped that I would be in Formula 1 while he was still around. I'm really looking forward to seeing him on the track and back at the top.

“It's brilliant news, and I wish him my absolute best wishes on his comeback with such a fine team and company as Mercedes Benz.”

Mercedes has been McLaren's engine supplier since 1995, but the German marque decided to got it their own in 2010 and buy-out the championship-winning Brawn GP team. Nevertheless, McLaren will continue to run with Mercedes engines for the foreseeable future and will field an all-British line-up of Hamilton and Jenson Button to do battle with the all-German line-up of Schumacher and Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.

“I think I share the sentiment of every single Formula 1 fan across the world by saying that Michael Schumacher's return to the sport is fantastically exciting – and a thrilling prospect for the 2010 season,” commented McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh. “I've no doubt that Michael has studiously examined this opportunity from every possible angle, and that he's convinced he still possesses the same fearsome drive and determination required to succeed in Formula 1.

“Obviously, Michael is a seven-time champion and has absolutely nothing left to prove – so it will be fascinating to see what he can achieve in a new team.

“To Michael, Norbert, Ross, Nick, and everyone at Mercedes GP, we offer our warmest regards and congratulations and, most importantly, we look forward to some terrific racing in 2010!”