Lewis Hamilton is to leave Formula One team McLaren and join Mercedes in a three-year deal worth US$100 million, British and German media reports said today.
The agreement, expected to be announced later today, could spell the end of the Formula One career of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who is out of contract at Mercedes at the end of the year.
Sources told DPA Mercedes would not be extending Schumacher's contract, although it is unclear whether the German will go back into retirement or seek a new team.
British newspapers said an announcement could come later on Friday after the Mercedes board had signed a new commercial agreement binding the team to the sport.
The Telegraph said the three-year deal could be worth as much as US$100 million.