Lewis Hamilton has responded to reports he has called for changes at Ferrari after two difficult weekends at Monza and Madrid.
Hamilton has fallen 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli with nine rounds to go, having scored just eight points in the last two races.
Ferrari brought an upgraded engine to their home event at the Italian Grand Prix but Hamilton only finished sixth, while Charles Leclerc crashed out, before a brake problem caused Hamilton to suffer his first retirement of the season in Madrid.
This week, reports in the Italian media have stated the seven-time world champion has been pushing team principal Frederic Vasseur to make operational changes, but Hamilton took to Instagram on Thursday to shut down the rumours.
"I've seen some of the 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," he wrote.
"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 called for "rules of engagement" at Ferrari after he was forced wide into the gravel by team-mate Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix on the opening lap.
The British driver stated "the buck starts with Fred (Vasseur)" before Ferrari held talks with their drivers where Leclerc admitted he was at fault for the incident.
Hopes of a record-breaking eighth world title have diminished since the summer break with Hamilton not scoring a podium in the last five races.
"I think there's no stopping him (Antonelli) and Mercedes this year," Hamilton told Your Site F1 after Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.
"They've done a phenomenal job and they deserve it."
Racing on a Saturday! The F1 season continues live on Your Site F1 as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple-header of races from September 24-26, with the Baku race taking place on a Saturday.
