McLaren Advised to Alter 'Papaya Rules' Amidst Verstappen's Resurgence

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has urged McLaren to reconsider its 'papaya rules' and prioritize a single driver in the title chase, citing the escalating threat from Max Verstappen. This advice comes as Verstappen secures back-to-back wins, narrowing the points gap and intensifying the championship battle.

Why it matters:

• McLaren's 'papaya rules,' established by team principal Andrea Stella last season, dictate that both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are treated equally to maximize team results in every race.
• However, Verstappen's recent surge, particularly after Red Bull's significant upgrades, has shifted the competitive landscape.
• Steiner's recommendation highlights a critical dilemma for McLaren: maintain internal equality or adopt a strategic single-driver focus to counter a formidable rival.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Momentum: Max Verstappen secured consecutive victories from pole position in Baku and Monza, demonstrating a marked improvement in Red Bull's performance.
• Points Gap Narrows: Verstappen is now 69 points behind Piastri with seven rounds remaining, signaling a realistic chance to contend for his fifth consecutive drivers' championship.
• Red Bull Upgrades: Red Bull introduced a new floor to the RB21 in Monza, contributing significantly to their enhanced speed and performance.
• McLaren's Recent Struggles: McLaren experienced a challenging Baku Grand Prix, with Piastri crashing twice and Norris finishing seventh, failing to secure the constructors' title there.
• Singapore GP Significance: The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix is seen as a crucial race, potentially determining Verstappen's true championship contention. Historically, the Marina Bay Street Circuit, with its medium-speed corners, has been a weaker venue for Red Bull, while Norris dominated there last year.
• Steiner's Stance: Guenther Steiner, on the Red Flags podcast, expressed his belief that Verstappen has a legitimate chance at the title and that McLaren should have considered prioritizing a driver earlier.
  • He emphasized that while McLaren aims for fairness, sacrificing a championship for it is not a viable strategy.

What's next:

• The Singapore Grand Prix will be a critical test for both McLaren and Red Bull. A strong performance by Verstappen in Singapore would signify Red Bull's ability to compete for victories across all remaining races, intensifying the pressure on McLaren.
• McLaren will need to carefully assess its strategy moving forward, balancing internal equity with the urgent need to counter Verstappen's growing threat. The decision to maintain or alter the 'papaya rules' could be pivotal in their championship aspirations.