Lewis Hamilton has called on fans to trust his team of mechanics and reiterated his "1000 percent" faith in Mercedes.
Mercedes has been forced to respond to fan conspiracy theories since the Russian Grand Prix despite recording a one-two. Hamilton's reliability issues in qualifying and the race fuelled the social media outrage, though Mercedes went to great lengths to ensure the world champion avoided a pit lane start and also feared teammate Nico Rosberg would not make the chequered flag.
While Mercedes wrote a letter to its fans explaining the events of Sochi in more detail Hamilton has posted a message to his followers on Facebook urging them not to believe anyone suggesting the team is trying to derail his title defence.
"I want you to know how grateful I am for all of your support," Hamilton wrote. "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 percent 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.Thank you once again."
After finishing second at the Russian Grand Prix, Hamilton trails Rosberg by 43 points in the championship after just four races.