Lewis Hamilton signs up to Simon Fuller's management company

Lewis Hamilton is to join the same management company as David Beckham and Andy Murray, it was announced today.

The 2008 Formula One world champion had been managed by his father Anthony until Hamilton decided last year that he wanted a change.

The 26-year-old has now signed up with Simon Fuller's new company, XIX Entertainment, that also manages the Spice Girls and Sir Michael Caine as well as England footballer Beckham and Scottish tennis star Murray.

Hamilton said: "It was important I took my time to make this decision as it had to be right for my career and my long-term future.

"I spoke to many interested companies in recent months but I felt Simon Fuller along with his team at XIX Entertainment not only wanted to help me become an even better racing driver, but they also shared my ambitions for the longer term. I look forward to working with them closely."

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver is due to begin his fifth season in Formula One at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 25.

Anthony Hamilton said: "Lewis has wisely taken his time to find a good person to look after him."

Fuller added: "Lewis is not only one of the leading sportsmen of his generation, he will I believe become one of the best of all time. It's an honour to be partnering with Lewis in what will be a very exciting stage of his career."