Lewis Hamilton has committed his future to Mercedes by signing a three-year extension to his current contract. 

The defending champion's protracted negotiations have been a constant talking point throughout the opening five races of the season, but ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix his new deal has been confirmed. 

Hamilton is therefore set to extend his rivalry at Mercedes with team-mate Nico Rosberg – the German having already signed a "multi-year" extension. 

The Brit claimed his second drivers' title in 2014 with the aid of 11 race wins and has started the new season well, leading the standings by 20 points going into race six. 

"Mercedes is my home and I couldn't be happier to be staying here for another three years," Hamilton said on the deal that runs until 2018.  

"This is a company filled with real passionate racers, from the board room 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. The Mercedes car I am driving right now is the best I have ever had in my career; it's just so much fun to be out there every weekend, on the limit and fighting to win at every track." 

Head of Mercedes motorsport Toto Wolff added: "Continuity is one of the key factors for delivering success in Formula One and we now have that in place. 

"We have taken the right amount of time with the process and not rushed ourselves.  

"Lewis' sporting track record speaks for itself. I am looking forward to continuing to race with the strongest driver pairing in Formula One and to more historic achievements together."