Lewis Hamilton denies claims he is pushing Ferrari to replace key staff

Lewis Hamilton has denied reports in Italian media that he asked Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur to replace members of the team’s trackside staff. In an Instagram post on Thursday, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton said he had never requested anyone on his team be replaced and praised the work and commitment of those around him. The denial follows a difficult spell for Ferrari and public scrutiny after the Italian Grand Prix, where Hamilton had called for clearer rules of engagement following a first-lap clash with Charles Leclerc. Hamilton said the team would continue working together. His comments address the staffing reports directly, while leaving his previously expressed concerns about on-track operations in view.