Lewis Hamilton denied he has called for replacements at Ferrari after he admitted his bid for a record eight world championship is over.
Hamilton threw in the title towel at last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix after he retired from the race in Madrid with a brake problem.
His failure to finish leaves him 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings – the equivalent of more than four victories – with just nine scheduled rounds left.
A report in Italy claimed Hamilton has challenged Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to make changes to the team’s trackside staff.
But in a story posted to his Instagram account on Thursday, the 41-year-old wrote: “I’ve seen some of the stories that have gone out and I want to clear it up on 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 what I’m here to do. We all work together and that will continue.”
Hamilton sparked hope of challenging Antonelli – the driver who replaced him at Mercedes – when he won in Barcelona in June.
However, the British driver has not finished on the podium at the past five rounds and has been openly critical of his team’s race tactics.
He also took aim at team-mate Charles Leclerc’s driving after an opening-lap clash in Monza earlier this month. Hamilton said he led face-to-face talks with the Monegasque to clear the air.
His retirement in Madrid marked his first of the campaign, and when asked to assess his title chances, Hamilton replied: “There’s no stopping him (Antonelli) and Mercedes this year. They’ve done a phenomenal job, and they deserve it (the championship).”
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