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Toro Rosso flexibility is also its strength - Tost

Where many see a lack of stability in Toro Rosso's decision to change engine partners for the third time in three years, team boss Franz Tost sees flexibility.

The Faenza-based outfit ditched Renault for Ferrari power at the end of the 2015 season only to revert back to the French manufacturer for 2017.

Next year will see Toro Rosso partner with Honda as a result of the Japanese manufacturer's painful split with McLaren.

The technical and cultural changes shall likely challenge the junior bull outfit next season, but where some may perhaps see a form of disorder, Tost believes the switch only emphasizes his team's adaptability.

"It shows first and foremost how flexible we are," the Toro Rosso boss told Formula1.com.

"We are used to this, so it’s easy for us. Nothing can shock us. Imagine, the last change from Ferrari to Renault was 10 months ago! (Laughs)

"But now it is Japanese in – and that will stay for the next three years."

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Indeed, a foundation from which Toro Rosso may grow will be put in place. Tost believes however that true stability stems from the team's technical department

"I also see the benefit of having a certain degree of stability, but that comes from within the team," adds Tost.
[Technical director] James Key and his group of engineers are the source of stability and this is where we get our strength from.

"And we’ve shown that we are capable of fighting with teams that have much more stability than we ever had.

"With all the changes that we always have to cope with, we have always been in a position to finish the car in time for the first test – and that is paramount. But then again, it is not a ‘must’ to change during the season.

"Regarding our new Japanese partners, the good news is that I have lived in Japan for a year so I am aware of the difficulties that might arise in communication and we are already working on this matter."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.