Hamilton sticks with Mercedes for three years

MONACO — Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton signed a three-year deal with Mercedes on Wednesday, ending rumours of his potential move to Ferrari.

Since leaving McLaren in 2013, Hamilton has competed in 43 races, winning 15 and securing a further 11 podium finishes to replace four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel — the only other driver to beat him this season — as the sport’s No. 1 driver. Hamilton leads teammate Nico Rosberg by 20 points after three wins in five races heading into this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Mercedes did not reveal the financial aspects of the deal, estimated to be worth $140 million US.

— THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton of Britain, left, signed a three-year deal with Mercedes Wednesday. Hamilton will compete with McLaren driver and fellow Brit Jenson Button, right, during this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.