Ferrari needs "time" - Gerhard Berger

Gerhard Berger has warned Ferrari against making any drastic changes if it is to recapture it's title-winning form from a decade ago.

The Italian press has launched a scathing attack on the team in recent weeks, insisting that there is a "crisis" in Maranello. Meanwhile, technical director James Allison is linked with an exit, along with star driver Sebastian Vettel.

But Berger, who drive for Ferrari in two stints between 1987-1989 and 1993-1995, believes that the team need to keep their expectations in check and be left to work.

"They (Ferrari) need time," he said. "Last year was better than expected, but it made expectations grow too much. Everyone expected a comeback and instead the gap is even bigger."

"Arrivabene and his boys need to be left to work," he added. "Probably in 2017 they will be able to fight on par with Mercedes, but it will not happen in the next three or four races. The closer you get to the summit, the harder the climb becomes."
 

Current Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has been publicly vocal of his expectations and demands of the team, unlike former president Luca di Montezemolo.

When asked about Ferrari's current 'crisis', Montezemolo told Tuttosport: "For people like me who deeply love Ferrari and spent the most important years there, sometimes the best way to demonstrate that love is to keep quiet!.

"I have proposed for some time not to talk about formula one, but I'll be very happy to do it again later, given the passion that I have."