Lewis Hamilton has called upon his fans to drop any talks of a conspiracy within Mercedes to favour Nico Rosberg over the Briton, following a raft of car failures which have cost Hamilton a shot at victory in both China and Russia.
A small minority of fans have accused the team of failing Hamilton intentionally to aid Rosberg's championship bid, leading team chief Toto Wolff to describe them as "lunatics".
Mercedes released an open letter to its fans, insisting it is doing everything within its powers to ensure a fair fight between its drivers, and Hamilton has now done the same, calling for his fans to respect the team.
"I want you to know how grateful I am for all of your support," he said. "I'd like to ask that you please trust in my team, as I do. This is my family. These guys have been the greatest, hardest working people for me, and that is why I am now 3x World Champion.
"Please don't put any more thought into my team doing anything unjust towards me, and understand that it would be in no ones best interest for that to be the case.
"We've had the best 3 years together, and whilst it's not going to plan right now, all will unfold in its own time.
"I trust these guys 1000% and my mechanics are incredible, the best in the business. I respect them so please do the same. They are the guys that are going to make winning this championship possible."
