‘Never Asked for Anyone to Be Replaced’: Hamilton Dismisses Ferrari Staff Report

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has denied reports that he sought changes to Ferrari's trackside staff, saying he remains committed to working with the team despite recent tensions over race strategy.

Hamilton's comments came after a report in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claimed he had asked for changes to Ferrari's trackside personnel and that his relationship with team principal Fred Vasseur had become strained.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Hamilton rejected the report and praised the commitment of Ferrari's staff.

"I've seen some of the stories that have gone out and I want to clear it up here. I've never asked for anyone on my team to be replaced," Hamilton said alongside a photograph of himself with Ferrari personnel.

He added that everyone he works with puts in significant effort and said their dedication was helping the team move forward.

Hamilton also said he tries to "empower and lift people" and help them become the best versions of themselves, while stressing that the team would continue working together.

The British driver has openly questioned Ferrari's strategic decisions over team radio several times this season. At last month's Dutch Grand Prix, he questioned whether he was being used as a "guinea pig" during the race and also objected to teammate Charles Leclerc being allowed to hold him up.

Hamilton later said his radio messages reflected his desire to win. He also admitted it was difficult to watch rival team Mercedes execute strategic decisions effectively while Ferrari struggled to do the same.

Hamilton secured his first Ferrari victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June. However, his title challenge has since lost momentum.

He remains third in the drivers' standings but is now 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli following his retirement from last week's Spanish Grand Prix. The result also extended Hamilton's run to five consecutive races without a podium finish.