Binotto downplays rumors of tensions building with Vettel

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto claimed after Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix to be "quite surprised" by suggestions that tensions are building between the Italian outfit and the German.

Vettel scored a P7 finish in Barcelona after a solid drive completed on a one-stop strategy somewhat improvised by the Scuderia following an indecisive call by the Ferrari pitwall and a series of back and forth exchanges with Vettel.

Queried on the confusing communication between team and driver, Binotto said it simply reflected Ferrari's transparency when making on the fly decisions.

"We prefer to talk openly. Others don't, perhaps so as not to reveal their intentions," Binotto told Sky Sports Italia.

"We think it's the right way even if we ask questions on both sides. Looking at the last races, the choices made have proved to be correct, so we welcome the discussion and the question marks.

"For us they are open dialogues that lead us to make the right choice".

From Vettel's body language outside the car to his laconic onboard communication, signs appear to point to an erosion of the relationship between the outgoing German and his team.

But Binotto denied that tensions were swelling when asked in a post-race call with the media if his driver's attitude had now become more brusque or succinct.

"I do not notice what you're mentioning," Binotto said. "At least from our side, we've not changed a different type of tone or what else, so [I'm] quite surprised. It's not the case."

After Sunday's race, Vettel was asked by Sky Sports what Ferrari needed to take away from its weekend in Barcelona, to which the German replied: "My opinion is not important anymore."

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But once again, Binotto downplayed the response, insisting that the team and Vettel were still working well together.

“I think it’s an answer which is in line with his disappointment of not being able to be part of the team next year," Binotto said.

"When he says so I think he means that it’s not his job anymore to give advices for the future.

"Having said so, we’re working well with him."

And Vettel himself, despite the perceptions, insisted the minimal communication was a sign of a crumbling relationship.

"From my side it's no different to how it has been," Vettel said. "Sometimes you talk on the radio, but we see each other the whole day, so you can talk the whole day.

"You don't need to talk on the radio all the time. Nothing has changed."

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