News Summary
- Hamilton has denied requesting the replacement of anyone within his Ferrari team
- Corriere della Sera reported that the Briton wanted changes to the trackside operation
- Hamilton defended the employees around him but did not address the reported tension with Vasseur
Lewis Hamilton has directly rejected reports that he asked Ferrari to replace members of the team working with him during Formula 1 race weekends.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the seven-time world champion had pushed for changes within Ferrari’s trackside operation amid frustration over the team’s strategy and execution.
The report did not identify the individuals Hamilton had allegedly asked Ferrari to remove. It also claimed that his relationship with team principal Frédéric Vasseur was no longer as strong as it had previously been.
Hamilton responded through a statement published on Instagram on Thursday.
“I’ve seen some of the stories that have gone out, and I want to clear it up here,” he wrote. “I’ve never asked for anyone on my team to be replaced.”
Hamilton went on to defend the commitment of the employees working around him and insisted that his objective is to help people perform at their best.
“Everyone I work with works hard every day, and their dedication is what moves us forward,” he continued.
“I always try to empower and lift people to be the best versions of themselves, or at least see the best in themselves. I don’t always get it right, but that’s my intention and purpose here. We all work together, and that’s how it will continue.”
The statement specifically denied the claim that Hamilton requested personnel changes. It did not address the newspaper’s separate suggestion that his relationship with Vasseur has become strained.
Hamilton’s denial follows a series of public comments about Ferrari’s working methods. After the Italian GP at Monza, he said the team needed to reconsider its communication and decision-making processes to avoid repeating the same results.
Those remarks were directed at Ferrari’s operation rather than individual employees. Hamilton defended the team’s staff while calling for changes, arguing that responsibility for the direction of the organisation ultimately starts with its leadership.
The Briton has also pushed for clearer rules governing how Ferrari manages its two drivers after his opening-lap clash with Charles Leclerc at Monza. Hamilton and Leclerc subsequently held talks, with the Monegasque accepting that he had gone too far in forcing his teammate off the circuit.
Ferrari has continued to treat both drivers equally, with Vasseur resisting calls to establish a championship hierarchy while both remain mathematically in contention.
Hamilton’s title prospects nevertheless suffered another setback at the Spanish GP. A brake-system failure forced him to retire after seven laps at Madring, leaving him third in the standings with 191 points—101 behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The Formula 1 season continues with the Azerbaijan GP at the Baku City Circuit from September 24–26.
FAQ
When is the next F1 race?
The next Formula 1 race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with the weekend running from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26. Unlike a conventional F1 weekend, the race takes place on Saturday.
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan GP on Saturday?
The Azerbaijan GP takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday, September 27 is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire weekend has moved forward: FP1 and FP2 are on Thursday, while FP3 and qualifying take place on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan GP start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 15:00 local time in Baku and 12:00 UK time on Saturday, September 26. Qualifying begins at 16:00 local time and 13:00 UK on Friday.
