Lewis Hamilton has issued a firm rebuttal of reports in Italian media that he has pressed Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur for a staff overhaul at the Scuderia. In a post on his Instagram Story, the seven-time World Champion made it clear that he has never asked for anyone on his team to be replaced.
Hamilton has enjoyed a far brighter 2026 season than his debut campaign with the Maranello-based squad last year, having taken one victory and a further four podiums. However, his championship hopes took a hit at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend when a brake failure forced him to retire early, leaving him 99 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The Brit had previously talked about dialogue with Team Principal Vasseur regarding changes within the team, and has also enjoyed a more fruitful relationship with race engineer Carlo Santi, who replaced previous engineer Riccardo Adami prior to the season starting. This approach appears to have been the basis for the Corriere della Sera report, which alleged that Hamilton has been angling for further personnel alterations.
But taking to his Instagram Story, Hamilton swiftly rebuffed this report. "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," he wrote, with a photograph of a group of Ferrari staff members accompanying his words. He continued: "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."
This statement serves as a slap in the face for the Italian media, which often reports on internal tensions at Ferrari. Hamilton, known for his supportive nature towards his team, seems keen to emphasise that his focus is on collaboration, not conflict. His stance also aligns with his efforts to build chemistry with the engineers and mechanics in Maranello.
Meanwhile, Ferrari is still fighting to put up a challenge in the remaining races against its Brackley-based rivals. Hamilton will be looking to return to form next weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Baku circuit, with its unique characteristics, could be the perfect place for a comeback, especially considering he won there in 2018.
With eight races remaining, Hamilton's chances of catching Antonelli are slim but not impossible. What matters most is ensuring the team remains solid and focused on car development. This denial at least puts an end to speculation that could disrupt the team's concentration ahead of a crucial race.
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