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Maurizio Arrivabene has asked for his Ferrari Formula 1 team to be left alone to "work in peace" amid criticism for its disappointing performances and speculation over staff changes.

The Scuderia won three races last year and appeared to be closing on Mercedes but has so far failed to reach the top step in 11 attempts in 2016.

There was speculation about Kimi Raikkonen's future before he re-signed for the team while there have been other reports of Arrivabene's job being under threat and Vettel wanting to leave.

"Two months ago everyone was asking continued questions about Kimi and his future," said Arrivabene.

"After Kimi, it was my turn. Every day, every week and for the next few months, because [technical director James] Allison was [rumoured to be] taking my job.

"We confirmed Kimi and now Vettel is leaving and most probably I'm going to take his job and then he's coming back to take mine...

"Let us work in peace, please."

MERCEDES CHASE WILL TAKE PATIENCE

Ferrari now trails Mercedes by 154 points in the constructors' championship and Red Bull has closed to just one point adrift of its second place.

Raikkonen said Ferrari's focus remains on Mercedes but it must be patient in its chase of F1's pacesetter.

"We have areas that we know we have to improve as quickly as we can but races aren't easy places to [do the] fix," he said.

"I felt like I had more speed than the Red Bulls in Hungary.

"I still believe that we have made big steps during the season.

"Some are not big enough but our aim is not [Red Bull], it's Mercedes and we'll keep fighting and trying to improve things and hopefully be in a position at some point where we want to be - that's in front.

"It will take a lot of work and patience and time and we will not give up. It's not our way."