Lauda impressed by Hamilton’s attitude

Mercedes announced on Thursday morning that Hamilton would be joining them on a three-year deal from the start of the 2013 Formula 1 season, ending a 14-year association with McLaren.

Hamilton will replace Michael Schumacher at the German team, with Mexican Sergio Perez – currently with Sauber – stepping in for the Briton at McLaren.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh warned Hamilton that leaving for Mercedes will prove to be a mistake, but three-time former world champion Lauda – who held talks with a pragmatic and apparently emotionless Hamilton last week – said the 27-year-old was eager to start a new chapter.

“I spoke to him a couple of times, but I didn’t have to convince him much,” said Lauda in a radio interview. “He had a clear plan and I didn’t have to convince him of anything.

“I can honestly say I was impressed with his approach to things – very pragmatic, no emotions whatsoever. The real discussion was, ‘why should I leave a competitive car where my life is easier in the future?’

“My argument was, ‘if you’re looking for a new challenge then frankly the Mercedes team is one’. Thinking the other way round, if Michael Schumacher could not get the Mercedes team – for three years running – up front and you next year are doing much better, this makes a huge impact on your personality and people will rate you much higher than you are rated now.”

He continued: “The money discussion I was not involved in. The offer was very close to the one of McLaren. In the end it was that he looks for a new challenge.”