Lewis Hamilton has reacted to the claim in the Italian media that he is seeking a say in Ferrari's management.

Much like its British counterpart, the Italian media rarely lets little things like the truth get in the way of a good story, and in recent weeks has been cooking up all manner of claims relating to the national F1 team.

As it watches Mercedes dominate, and an Italian looking likely to win the world championship in a German car, attention has turned to Ferrari which hasn't won a drivers' title since 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen, or a constructor's crown since 2008.

The media has been unhappy with Ferrari for some time, but Monza, where its two drivers clashed, one of them crashing out a lap later, was the final straw, especially as Kimi Antonelli stormed home to a sensational victory.

Though happy enough when a Frenchman, a South African, a Briton and a South African were regularly doing the business, the Italian media clearly feels that change is needed at Maranello, and is therefore busy stirring the pot.

The latest claim is that Hamilton is pushing Fred Vassuer to make changes within the team, particularly in terms of trackside staff.

Taking to social media today, the seven-time world champion denied the claim.

"I've never asked for anyone on my team to be replaced," he wrote on his Instagram account. "Everyone I work with works hard every day, and their dedication is what moves us forward.

"I always try to empower and lift people to be the best versions of themselves or at least see the best in themselves," he added.

"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."

Whether the aim of the media is to topple Vasseur, Hamilton or whatever isn't clear, however its mood wasn't helped by the Briton's retirement in Spain last weekend, his first DNF of the year, or his subsequent admission that the 2026 title is lost.