Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season. Lewis Hamilton is to replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes from next year.

Rather than look to continue racing with another team, Schumacher has decided to end an F1 career that began in 1991.

"Although I am still able to compete with the best drivers, at some point it is good to say goodbye," he said.

"During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on.

"It is not my style to go on if I'm not 100% with it but with today's decision I feel relieved."