20-month old relationship between F1 racing star Lewis Hamilton and Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger came to an end.

Hamilton, 25, and Scherzinger, 31, ended their relationship on the note that both of them wanted to concentrate on their careers but will remain close friends and stay in touch with each other.

A joint statement from their spokesmen confirmed, "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".

Both of them were dating each other since their first interaction at the MTV Europe Awards in Munich in November 2007.

Hamilton called his feelings as just "infatuation", though Nicole, who accompanied Hamilton to Grand Prix around the globe, called him her "soul mate".

Hamilton became the World champion in November 2008.

According to British Media, Hamilton's reluctance to settle down is the main reason for their break up.

Before Scherzinger, Hamilton was dating beauty queen Vivian Burkhardt.