Long-term McLaren and Mercedes-Benz prot©g© Lewis Hamilton has been confirmed as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racing driver and will make his debut at the opening round of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship in Australia. 21-year-old Lewis will join World Champion Fernando Alonso racing the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 during the 2007 season with both Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett continuing as test drivers.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Lewis. “To be racing in Formula 1 with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me. I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn’t be where I am today without their continued support and guidance. However I’m aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me. However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results.”

I am not sure about the you, but I thought that Pedro de la Rosa should have gotten the this position. His performance was outstanding in the last couple of races of the last season. We’ll see what Hamilton will bring to the team, but I know de la Rosa will be there to replace him if need be.