Months of speculation have been made official as legendary Formula One champion Michael Schumacher announced on Wednesday that he has signed a three-year deal to return to the sport and drive for the new Mercedes Grand Prix team. Schumacher is the most successful driver in Formula One history, having won seven world titles in a 16-year career that ended with his retirement in 2006.

“I was tired of F1 by the end of 2006,” Schumacher said. “But in three years of absence I got back all the energy that I am feeling right now. I played around with motorbikes and I feel ready for some serious stuff now.”

Schumacher had been working as a consultant with Ferrari, the last team he drove for in Formula One. However, the team announced earlier this month that they would let him leave his consultancy contract if he wished to return to Formula One with another team.

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