Tost slates the criticism on F1 'B' teams

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost has hit back over criticism of the so-called Formula 1 "B-team" model, and has insisted his team's success comes from a collection of stronger elements, rather than purchased parts.

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has been perhaps the most vocal in his criticism of the "B-team" model, with the 2021 shake-up set to change the way F1 is played, and believes it discredits the work that works teams, such as Renault, put in.

Currently, teams can buy non-listed parts from other sides. Toro Rosso and Red Bull use this method, as do Haas with Ferrari. However, from 2021, the listed parts are set to expand with smaller teams relying on manufacturers, and more parts would have to be produced by the team itself.

Tost has slated the people who do criticise the method, though, and he believes they need "to do their homework" before having an opinion on the matter.

"If someone who runs a manufacturer team is complaining that the small teams are faster and better than him, then he simply hasn't done his homework in a proper way," Tost said.

"We at Toro Rosso, we have from Red Bull Racing the gearbox from last year, the rear suspension from last year and parts from the front suspension - most of the front suspension we've anyway done ourselves.

"So, the reason why Toro Rosso is so competitive is mainly because of the fantastic power unit which we have from Honda. It seems that others are not doing such a good job and therefore they should not complain and whingeing around. They just should do their job.

"We have a good package together with the car, fantastic drivers and a fantastic power unit from Honda, that's the reason why we are competitive."