Mercedes photographer leaves team due to poor relationship with Lewis Hamilton

"My first race after the summer break was Monza. I tried to do some things differently, but it did not work out well for everyone," Ripke said to Bild newspaper. 

"Then came Singapore and then Mexico and at some point, I realized that I was unhappy and did not want to be the team photographer anymore.

"This year is not easy with Lewis. He does not really know what he wants or what he should do with social media. And if he doesn't know that, then I'm not quite right for him. The relationship is not as it used to be,"

Hamilton seems to be in a stage of his life where he is looking to broaden his identity. The team will have to look for a new photographer in time for next season.