F1 News Now: Lewis Hamilton Releases Statement as Mercedes Comeback Confirmed… See Details 

Lewis Hamilton has released a statement after reports claimed he was pushing for changes to Ferrari’s personnel, while a former Mercedes technical chief has also made his return to Formula 1.

Hamilton has been at the centre of attention following a difficult period for Ferrari, with the seven-time world champion now 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli after retiring from the Spanish Grand Prix.

The result marked Hamilton’s first DNF of the season and further damaged Ferrari’s hopes of challenging Mercedes for the championships.

Hamilton Responds to Ferrari Claims

An Italian publication recently claimed Hamilton was attempting to make changes inside Ferrari to bring the team more in line with the structure he experienced during his successful Mercedes years.

Reports subsequently suggested that Hamilton wanted personnel at Ferrari to be replaced.

However, Hamilton has now directly denied those claims.

Posting on his Instagram Stories alongside an image of Ferrari personnel, Hamilton said:

“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.”

He added:

“Everyone I work with works hard every day, and their dedication is what moves us forward.”

Hamilton also explained that his intention is to empower the people around him and help them perform at their best.

“I always try to empower and lift people to be the best versions of themselves or at least see the best in themselves.”

He concluded:

“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.”

Mercedes Comeback Confirmed

Away from Hamilton’s Ferrari situation, former Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott is making his return to Formula 1.

Alpine have confirmed that Elliott has joined the team as its new chief technical officer.

Elliott spent years at Mercedes after joining the team in 2012 and brings 23 years of Formula 1 experience, having previously worked with McLaren and Renault.

His return provides another major talking point in the F1 paddock as teams prepare for the next phase of the sport.

For Hamilton, however, the immediate focus remains Ferrari and the team’s attempts to recover from a difficult run of results.

The seven-time world champion has now made his position clear: he says he has never asked Ferrari to replace anyone on his team.