LONDON?Former Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has split up with Nicole Scherzinger of US girl band Pussycat Dolls after two years together, the couple announced Monday.

The 25-year-old Briton and Scherzinger, 31, said they want to concentrate on their careers.

"Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton can confirm that they have decided to go their separate ways. The two of them have decided to focus fully on their careers and will remain close friends," they said in a joint statement.

Since starting to date in late 2007, the pair was often seen together as Scherzinger accompanied Hamilton to Grand Prix events around the world, climaxing in his 2008 world championship win. He was the youngest ever winner of the title.

There had been talk of a possible split in recent months amid reports that Hamilton was not keen to settle down.

Hamilton is hoping to reclaim the title this year after losing it to fellow Briton Jenson Button, and could face stiff competition including from Michael Schumacher, who has come out of retirement.