Haas F1 team boss Guenther Steiner has accused rivals of trying to "harm" his outfit by criticising their 'B-team' model.
The American squad has always come under scrutiny for their close technical ties to Ferrari, something that has allowed them to be very competitive for a lower budget.
However, Renault, McLaren, Racing Point and Williams, have all pointed to the practice as putting true constructors like them at a disadvantage while also benefitting the top teams.
"Nobody can tell me that there is no data being exchanged there," Germany's Auto Motor und Sport quoted an unnamed source as saying.
"Sauber [Alfa Romeo]'s technical boss Simone Resta came directly from Ferrari to Switzerland and there wasn't even the usual gardening leave. It means both teams know from the other what developments work and how, so they can divide the work between themselves."
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- Renault: 'B-team' model risks consolidating three-team F1 domination
- Williams: Rise of 'B-teams' has contributed to our lack of competitiveness
- Haas explain acceptance of Ferrari forging similar ties with Alfa Romeo
Efforts are underway to address Haas/Ferrari-style alliances in the 2021 regulations by limiting further the number of parts a team can buy in.
However, Steiner countered their argument by saying: "They want to take something away from us to harm us and better themselves.
"We chose this model because the rules allow it. It has proven itself, especially for new teams who would otherwise have no chance to enter Formula 1. So why change it?
"Everyone can adopt our model. I don't try to tell Renault what they should do," he added.
