Berger ponders if Ferrari 'lied' about Allison

Jul.29 - Ferrari on Thursday faced suggestions it "lied" about the impending departure of James Allison.

In Hungary mere days ago, boss Maurizio Arrivabene angrily batted away speculation about the team's technical director.

"Ferrari behaved as though there were nothing in the rumours and three days later confirmed them," former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger told Germany's Auto Bild.

"We can now consider what is worse: that they did not know about it, or that they lied," the great Austrian added.

Current Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen on Thursday would not comment on Allison's departure beyond saying he has "respect" for the Briton.

Vettel, meanwhile, insisted: "Obviously there will be a difference but in the short term it doesn't change that much."

So as Ross Brawn denied he is returning to Ferrari, Allison having been replaced by engine chief Mattia Binotto and questions swirling about Arrivabene and team president Sergio Marchionne, Vettel was asked if Ferrari is indeed in crisis.

"No, I think we have the right people on board," the German driver insisted at Hockenheim.

Vettel said Binotto is "very experienced", and welcomed the fact that president Marchionne is pushing Ferrari "very hard".

"Obviously it (Allison's departure) is a big change now, which doesn't impact on tomorrow's work but obviously for the future. No doubt about it, but I think things are heading in the right direction.

"In Maurizio's case as well, he's been in formula one and involved for a long time, so I think he knows the business very well and I think he's doing a very, very good job," said Vettel.

"That's how we all feel in the team. He's our leader, he's the team principal and we're happy he's with us."

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