The Lewis Hamilton contract saga has finally come to an end, with the reigning Formula One world champion agreeing a new three-year deal with Mercedes.

The protracted negotiations have been the subject of much speculation and debate this season, having been locked in talks since the turn of the year.

However, Hamilton and Mercedes have at last reached an agreement, with the British driver signing a new deal for the 2016 to 2018 Formula One seasons inclusive.

HAMILTON: WHAT THEY SAID

Lewis Hamilton has signed a new three-year contract with Mercedes to continue the latest chapter of a Formula One career that has had its share of ups and downs.

Along with two world titles and 36 grand prix victories, there have also been some controversial moments along the way.

Here, Press Association Sport looks back on a selection of quotes from over the years that chart Hamilton's rise, fall and rise again:

"I think he is the most exciting prospect we have had for years" - Sir Stirling Moss after Hamilton clinched the 2006 GP2 title and before he was handed an F1 drive with McLaren.

"None of us are in pain, we feel great. If someone had said last year we'd have been fighting for the title at this stage of the season I'd have said they were dreaming. We will come back and, if he doesn't win it next year, he will the year after" - Hamilton's father Anthony after his son's agonising 2007 title defeat.

"We have had to overcome a lot. I am extremely pleased, not just for us, but people like us who have come from nowhere. We had a dream, worked hard, dedicated ourselves, and here we are on top of the world. We would never, ever have expected this" - Anthony after Lewis' dramatic 2008 championship victory.

"He's a very special talent. He's the youngest ever world champion and he's done it so well" - then McLaren team principal Ron Dennis after Hamilton's 2008 championship success.

"He is completely mad. You cannot drive like this. It will result in someone getting killed" - Niki Lauda after Hamilton crashed into McLaren team-mate Jenson Button in a wet 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.

"My thoughts are he cannot use his mind, even in qualifying. He has done it to me so many times this year. Again, he could've caused a big accident. He's paying for it and he doesn't understand that" - Felipe Massa after another incident between himself and Hamilton that year in the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix.

"Lewis is a coward. I do not want to be friends with someone like that. For me he is no man" - Adrian Sutil after then close friend Hamilton opted not to testify on his behalf at a GBH trial in Munich in 2012.

"McLaren have the resources, the money, the long-term commitment and huge experience. If I were Lewis I would have stayed with them. He would not be where he is today without them - and there is a degree of loyalty which you should always have" - Sir Jackie Stewart upon confirmation of Hamilton's switch from McLaren to Mercedes.

"Brilliant for Lewis and Merc. Nico (Rosberg) put up a strong fight, but Lewis did a fantastic job. Many congratulations 5 wins on trot 32 wins altogether" - Nigel Mansell after Hamilton won the 2014 United States Grand Prix to surpass the 1992 champion's record and become the most successful British driver in F1 history in terms of race wins.

"Lewis won 11 races, he's had a really incredible season. He's had many ups and downs, but in the end he is a worthy world champion" - Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff after Hamilton's 2014 title win.

"I am especially proud because two-and-a-half years ago I asked him to leave McLaren and join Mercedes. His argument was, 'When are we competitive?' I said I'm going to guarantee you a world championship, and second year here, here it is. I'm happy because I didn't break my promises" - Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda.

"Lewis, you're an absolute legend. Well done mate" - Prince Harry was one of the first to congratulate Hamilton after his 2014 title triumph.

"Lewis is a good world champion and he's a good face for Formula One. I think he'll win it again this year" - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"I can't see any reason why he can't get four, five or six championships. He is as good as we've got, and we're very lucky to have him. He looks to be unassailable, quite frankly. He's up there with Jimmy Clark, and people like that" - Sir Stirling Moss.