by Our Sports Desk

The Lewis Hamilton contract saga finally came to an end yesterday, with the reigning Formula One world champion agreeing a new three-year deal with Mercedes.

The protracted negotiations have been the subject of much speculation and debate this season, having been locked in talks since the turn of the year.

However, Hamilton and Mercedes have at last reached an agreement, with the British driver signing a new deal for the 2016 to 2018 Formula One seasons inclusive.

The three-year contract is reportedly worth up to £100 million — a deal which would see Hamilton become Britain’s highest-paid sportsman.

“Mercedes is my home and I couldn’t be happier to be staying here for another three years,” he said after the deal was announced in Monaco.

“This is a company filled with real passionate racers, from the boardroom to the factory floor and an incredible hunger to win.

“Even after the success of last year, that hunger is greater than ever — and it’s the same for me, too.

Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 from McLaren, where he won the first of his two world titles.