Hamilton denies Ferrari staff replacement claims after reports of tension – Lewis Hamilton has rejected claims that he asked Ferrari to replace members of his trackside team, insisting that he remains committed to the personnel working around him. His statement came after Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the seven-time world champion had pushed for changes within Ferrari and that his relationship with team principal Fred Vasseur had become strained.
The report emerged just days after Hamilton suffered another major setback in his 2026 Formula 1 title challenge at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
Corriere della Sera reported that Hamilton had asked Ferrari management to modify some key figures involved in the team’s trackside operations. The newspaper also suggested that relations between Hamilton and Vasseur were no longer as strong as they had been previously.
Hamilton has now directly addressed those claims.
Hamilton: “I want to clear it up here”
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Hamilton made clear that he had not requested anybody’s removal from the Ferrari operation.
“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. Everyone I work with works hard every day, and their dedication is what moves us forward,” Hamilton wrote.
The Ferrari driver went on to explain that his approach is to support and motivate the people around him rather than demand changes to the team.
“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 that’s what I’m here to do. We all work together and that will continue.”
Hamilton accompanied the message with a photograph featuring Ferrari personnel.
Ferrari tension follows difficult run
The reports come during a difficult period for Ferrari, with the team having endured frustration over strategy and execution during recent races.
Hamilton has been openly critical of some decisions over team radio this season. At the Dutch Grand Prix, for example, he questioned whether he was being used as a “guinea pig”, while he also expressed frustration over Ferrari’s handling of his battle with Charles Leclerc.
At Monza, tensions between Ferrari’s two drivers also came under scrutiny after their first-lap incident, while Hamilton subsequently called for clearer “rules of engagement” between himself and Leclerc.
Those incidents provide context for the latest speculation, but Hamilton’s statement specifically rejects the claim that he has asked for members of his team to be replaced.
Hamilton’s title hopes suffer another setback
The timing of the controversy is particularly significant for Hamilton because his championship challenge has suffered a major setback.
His retirement from the Madrid race left him third in the Drivers’ Championship and 101 points behind Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who leads the standings. Hamilton has also gone five consecutive races without a podium finish.
Ferrari’s recent struggles have therefore increased the pressure surrounding the team, but Hamilton’s latest message makes his position on the personnel speculation clear.
“I may not always achieve that but it’s my intention and that’s what I’m here to do. We all work together and that will continue.”
For now, Hamilton has publicly rejected the suggestion that he is seeking a Ferrari personnel overhaul, while the original claims remain those of the Italian media report rather than an allegation Hamilton has accepted.
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