Hockenheim: Sebastian Vettel feels the sudden departure of technical director James Allison will not have a major impact on his Ferrari team in the immediate future.

"Obviously, there will be a difference. But in the short term, it doesn't change that much... Won't have a major impact," Vettel said on Thursday.

Ferrari announced Allison's departure on Wednesday, saying the Maranello-based squad and the Briton had mutually agreed to part ways, in a move that could deal a big blow to its title ambitions.

The highly regarded Allison was seen as the man to spearhead a turnaround in the fortunes of the sport's most successful team. His departure leaves Ferrari lacking crucial technical leadership, especially with Formula One set for sweeping rule changes next year.

But Vettel threw his weight behind chairman and chief executive Sergio Marchionne, and team principal Maurizio Arrivabene when quizzed about their Formula One expertise. He also expressed confidence in Mattia Binotto, the team's new chief technical officer who has been with Ferrari since 1995.

"I think we have the right people on board," Vettel said. "Obviously, it's a big change now which doesn't impact tomorrow's work, but obviously for the future, no doubt about it. However, I think things are headed in the right direction."

Formula One, meanwhile, has decided to delay the introduction of a cockpit-protection device by one year to 2018 following a meeting on Thursday between the sport's major players, a statement from the governing FIA said.

The sport's strategy group, comprising six top teams, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and commercial rights holder Formula One Management, met in Geneva on Thursday to vote on the introduction of the concept for 2017.

"The strategy group agreed unanimously that the 2018 season will see the introduction of frontal cockpit protection for Formula One cars in order to significantly enhance the safety of drivers," the statement said.

(Reuters)