Lewis Hamilton has addressed rumors originally reported by an Italian newspaper that he had asked for a number of key on-track personnel to be replaced. Corriere della Sera reported that Hamilton would like to see some changes to
Ferrari's trackside structure, although the newspaper did not single out any employees.
The Italian newspaper also claimed that the relationship between Hamilton and team principal Frederic Vassuer is no longer what it was, and noted that Hamilton has on multiple occasions voiced frustration with the team's strategic decisions and race-day execution.
Hamilton reacts to the rumors
The seven-time world champion took to social media to address the situation. He wrote in an Instagram story, together with a picture of Ferrari crew members: "I've seen some 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.
"I always try to empower and lift people to be the best versions of themselves or at least see that best in themselves. I may not always achieve that but it's my intention and what I'm here to do. We all work together and that will continue," he concluded.
Hamilton asked for rules of engagement
After the Monza incident, Hamilton said he had a good chat with both Vasseur and Leclerc.
"It's been really positive. 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 fifteen months or whatever it is. We've got to a place where we have really great communication in internally, and same with me and Charles."
One thing Hamilton asked for was a set of rules of engagement, but the
Briton said they are not in place yet.
"I'm sure at some stage, we'll discuss how we can be better, but we've not had a lot of time since turnaround. We can't change things in two days."