London, England (My Sportsbook) - Lewis Hamilton has signed a five-year deal to drive for the McLaren Formula One team. Coming off a record-setting first year, Hamilton's contract will run through 2012. "I have been connected to McLaren and Mercedes-Benz since 1998 and feel that I could easily drive for this team for the whole of my Formula One career," said Hamilton. Hamilton began his rookie campaign with nine consecutive podium finishes and become the first rookie to lead the drivers championship. He ultimately finished second, just one point behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen. But the season wasn't all peaches and cream as he and teammate Fernando Alonso didn't get along. By season's end, Alonso, a two-time world champion, left the team. Although not officially released, Hamilton's salary is expected to be around $20 million per season. |
