Hamilton gets McLaren seat
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ByEurosport
Published 24/11/2006 at 10:11 GMT
British starlet Lewis Hamilton will race for McLaren next year alongside world champion Fernando Alonso. The 21-year-old Briton, the current GP2 champion, becomes the first black F1 driver and described the news as "a dream come true".
FORMULA 1 2007 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Lewis Hamilton
Image credit: From Official Website
Hamilton has been nurtured by McLaren boss Ron Dennis since the age of 13 and has driven impressively in testing.
He has been preferred to the Spanish veteran Pedro de la Rosa, who will return to his test driver's role.
"To be racing in Formula One with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity us a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me," said Hamilton.
"I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn't be where I am today without their continued support and guidance.
"I'm aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me.
"However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results."
As team-mate to the reigning world champion, Hamilton may have to play second fiddle to Alonso in 2007.
But Dennis said it was time to give Hamilton a chance to settle into a full racing role.
"Since 1998 Lewis has formed an important part of our long-term strategy and we are pleased that we are able to help him take another step and achieve his dream of becoming a Formula One racing driver," said Dennis.
"Pedro has done an outstanding job for us this season but we felt it was the right time to provide Lewis with this opportunity.
"It's obviously going to be the biggest challenge of Lewis's career so far but it's one that we are sure he will be able to meet.
"He is coming into the paddock for the first time as a Formula One racing driver and will have to familiarise himself with the pressures of a Grand Prix weekend.
"However, the confidence we have in Lewis's abilities and talent is clear from our decision to give him the chance."
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