Renault's Abiteboul troubled by 'B Team' approach in F1

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Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul has rejected the idea of 'B teams' in Formula 1, insisting such an approach would weaken outfits unsupported by a manufacturer.

Following reports that Renault, Williams and McLaren are allegedly opposing the straightforward transfer of Force India's revenue rights to potential new owners, the backdrop of that resistance is the trio's concern about the emergence of 'B Teams' and the subsequent strengthening of Ferrari and Mercedes' power.

The Silverstone-based outfit, which went into administration last week, is rumored to be mulling an extension of its collaboration with Mercedes, its engine supplier.

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Pointing to the current technical relationship between Haas and Ferrari, and to a lesser degree between Sauber and Ferrari, Abiteboul says it is not the Formula 1 he wants to see.

"We are slightly concerned that this approach will deprive anyone who does not enjoy the advantages of such a scheme," admitted the Frenchman.

"We need to ensure that it will not become a necessary condition for performance in Formula 1, otherwise our model will not work," he added.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says he understands Renault's concerns.

"I understand that if large teams start buying small teams, this is a question and I certainly respect this point of view for the future," acknowledged the Austrian.

"I hope we can discuss everything so that small teams can benefit from common infrastructure but at the same time not get the advantage that is currently possible," said Wolff.

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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.