Sebastian Vettel has said that he remains "patient" for success at Ferrari.
Amid talk in the media of a 'crisis' and that technical chief James Allison is set to leave, team boss Maurizio Arrivabene last Sunday denied that number one driver Vettel might also be running out of patience.
However, publications including Spain's Marca quote the German as saying: "Generally, patience is not a feature of a racing driver because it contradicts all of its principles."
"But some things you know whether they need more or less time," he added ahead of his first home grand prix as a Ferrari driver this weekend at Hockenheim.
"My move to Ferrari was never on the basis that everything will work by tomorrow. The team is building itself up again and for that we need time."
Vettel, 29, said that he hopes his presence in a red car this weekend, rekindling memories of German great Michael Schumacher, is a boost for the fans.
"It would be very nice," he answered when asked if it will boost spectator numbers. "For me I think it is something very special to drive a Ferrari for the first time in Germany. Let's see if the people also think it's special and there are more red caps than silver.
"[Hometown] Happenheim is not far from Hockenheim, only half an hour, so there will be lots of my family and friends at the track which makes it very special.
"I started racing in karts in Walldorf, which is only five kilometres away so it's like racing in my living room."
Vettel currently lives with his partner and young children in Switzerland, but he said that nothing will change his "identity" as a German.
