Lewis Hamilton has denied reports claiming that he has asked Ferrari to make personnel changes behind the scenes. The seven-time world champion has only claimed one Grand Prix victory this year and currently sits third in the Drivers' Championship standings, a whopping 101 points behind runaway leader Kimi Antonelli.
Earlier this week, it was reported by Italian outlet Corriere della Sera that Hamilton wanted some trackside members of staff at Ferrari to be axed. It was also said that his relationship with team principal Frederic Vasseur had deteriorated behind the scenes.
Hamilton's Instagram statement
However, the 42-year-old has since taken to Instagram to deny those claims and set the record straight. Addressing his followers, Hamilton wrote: "I've seen some of the stories that have gone out and I wanted to clear it up here."
"I've never asked for anyone on my team to be replaced. Everyone I work with works hard every day and their dedication is what moves us forward."
"I always try to empower and lift people to be the best versions of themselves or at least see the best in themselves. I may not always achieve that but it's my intention and it's what I'm here to do. We all work together and that will continue."
Recent struggles and team relations
Hamilton endured a nightmare weekend at the recent Spanish Grand Prix, being forced to retire after only six laps after suffering a brake failure. He also clashed with team-mate Charles Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month, with the two drivers battling hard in the opening laps.
Hamilton was forced into the gravel at one point, which compromised his race, but he later confirmed that any tensions were quickly squashed. "It's been really positive," he reflected. "Spoke to Fred on Monday, and we just had a discussion of... naturally, we're going to always have different opinions, but at the end of the day, we come together, and we find a way forward."
"So that's the positives of where we've got to over the past 15 months or whatever it is. We've got to a place where we have really great communication internally, and same with me and Charles."
