Hamilton decides to leave Britain

Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton is to move to Switzerland to escape the excessive public and media attention he has had in Britain over the last year.

The McLaren driver, who came second in the drivers' championship in his debut F1 season, will join Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen in Switzerland.

"Over there people don't come up to you, they leave you alone and give you space," the 22-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I'm going to a country that I don't know but it's very exciting."

Ironically, the news comes the day after his home town of Stevenage announced that it was naming a street after the McLaren driver.

Switzerland is a popular choice for F1 drivers looking to relocate, with Alonso and Raikkonen - his rivals in this season's thrilling title chase - already living there, along with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton said he had taken the decision with some reluctance.

"It was a tough decision. My dream for years was to move to London - I stayed in London at a friend's house this weekend and I woke up in the morning and just knew it was where I wanted to be," he added.

"But I'll meet new people, new faces and I do have a few friends there and my family and friends from home will be able to come and visit me."

More to follow.

Source: BBC Sport