Lewis Hamilton has publicly denied reports suggesting he demanded personnel changes within the Ferrari Formula 1 team. The seven-time World Champion issued a statement via his social media channels on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to clarify the situation.
Reports from Italian media, notably Corriere della Sera, indicated that Hamilton had pushed for significant alterations to Ferrari’s trackside staff. These claims emerged following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
Hamilton’s Instagram post featured a photograph of himself alongside numerous Ferrari team members. He explicitly stated, ‘I’ve never asked for anyone on my team to be replaced.’
The British driver further emphasised the collective effort within the Scuderia. He added, ‘Everyone I work with works hard every day, and their dedication is what moves us forward.’
Hamilton also conveyed his commitment to fostering a supportive environment. He mentioned his intention to ’empower and lift people to be the best versions of themselves.’
The denial follows a challenging period for Hamilton and Ferrari during the current 2026 Formula 1 season. Hamilton retired from the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid due to brake issues.
He finished sixth at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza and secured a fourth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
Hamilton has not achieved a podium finish since the British Grand Prix earlier this season. He currently holds third position in the drivers’ standings, 101 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli.
Ferrari, as a constructor, is positioned second in the 2026 championship with 338 points and two race victories.
Hamilton secured his inaugural victory for Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in June. This marked his 106th Grand Prix win.
The season has seen instances of tension, including Hamilton questioning Ferrari’s strategy over team radio. At the Dutch Grand Prix, he inquired if he was being used as a ‘guinea pig.’
During the Italian Grand Prix, an on-track incident with teammate Charles Leclerc resulted in Hamilton being forced into the gravel. Leclerc later accepted responsibility for the contact.
Reports also suggested a strained relationship between Hamilton and Team Principal Fred Vasseur. Vasseur reportedly declined a post-Monza request from Hamilton for formal rules of engagement with Leclerc.
Ferrari has already implemented engineering changes this year. Long-serving race engineer Riccardo Adami transitioned to a Driver Academy role.
New personnel, including Luca Diella and Cedric Grosjean, have been integrated into Hamilton’s crew. Ferrari has also added external chassis specialists.
Vasseur has previously downplayed internal unrest, characterising driver requests for improvements as standard operational practice.
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari is understood to extend until at least the conclusion of the 2026 season, with an option for 2027.
