Niki Lauda reveals role in Lewis Hamilton's switch from McLaren to Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton (GETTY IMAGES)

Niki Lauda has revealed the role he played in luring Lewis Hamilton to make the switch from McLaren to Mercedes – a move he says was all about giving the British driver a new challenge.

Mercedes announced last week that Hamilton is to join them on a three-year deal from the start of next season, ending his 14-year association with McLaren.

"I spoke to him a couple of times, but I didn't have to convince him much," Lauda, Mercedes' non-executive chairman, said. "He had a clear plan. 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?'."