Lewis Hamilton: Title Chaser or Money Grabber?

This morning, I awoke to the news that Lewis Hamilton has indeed made his protracted switch to Mercedes from McLaren  He has cited reasons such as "a new challenge" and "a new chapter" for his eye-brow raising move to the Silver Arrows. McLaren have stated their "disappointment" at Hamilton's decision although wished him "the best of luck" one can only imagine through gritted teeth.

Hamilton has seen his popularity wane in the years since his first, and only, world title triumph. The all British line up of Lewis and Jenson Button is a PR dream for McLaren but Jenson has always come across as the more likeable of the two; the driver that the fans have always taken a shining to. Tantrums, arguments and an ill-judged Ali G quote have seen Hamilton portrayed as the bad boy of F1. Talented no doubt, but temperament and public image has always been a struggle for Lewis.

Since the heights of 2008, Hamilton has consistently struggled to replicate his form in an under-performing car. McLaren have been the bridesmaids of the title race in recent years; often coming close but seldom producing competitive performances worthy of the number one position. Perhaps Hamilton has finally realised that he is simply not in the right team to deliver him the title. Perhaps he's realised that he has become far too comfortable in his surroundings after being nurtured by the McLaren team since he was just 13 years old. Now at the age of 27, a move to Mercedes might just be the shot in the arm that he needs.

However, there is a cynical side to this, quite frankly, staggering move. Mercedes are not a title-winning car, not this season anyway. Many F1 insiders believe that it will not be until 2014 until the car will be in a position to challenge the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. The conclusion many people have come to is that Hamilton's sole motivation behind the switch is money. Simon Fuller, so successful in making David Beckham and The Spice Girls global superstars, has set his sights on making Hamilton the most recognisable sports star in the world. He will be delighted at Hamilton's decision to move to Mercedes, a team which has global standing and respect.

Personally, I think Hamilton has just become disillusioned at McLaren. He simply wasn't getting the backing he would liked from the team because of their commitment to Jenson Button and a two-pronged attack on the championship. With Mercedes promising Lewis guaranteed number one status in the team, he will have much more control over the car and the direction of the team. I believe that Hamilton will win championships at Mercedes, but there's no doubt the added cash in Hamilton's Swiss bank account will certainly make him a very happy man.