Norris Escapes FIA Fine for Swearing, Brown Confirms McLaren's 'Papaya Rules' for 2026

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem joked about fining Lando Norris for swearing during his championship acceptance speech, while McLaren CEO Zak Brown all but confirmed the team's equal treatment policy for its drivers will continue into the 2026 season. In other news, new Red Bull signing Isack Hadjar outlined his survival strategy alongside Max Verstappen, and Liam Lawson expressed relief at securing his Racing Bulls seat for next year.

Why it matters:

The light-hearted handling of Norris's expletive signals a pragmatic approach from the FIA regarding its controversial swearing ban, avoiding a negative PR moment during a celebratory event. More substantively, Brown's confirmation of McLaren's ongoing commitment to driver equality underscores the philosophy that delivered their 2025 championship double, setting a clear precedent for the team's future operations and internal dynamics.

The details:

• At the FIA Gala, Ben Sulayem quipped he almost issued a €5,000 fine to Norris after the champion admitted to "mistakes and f**k ups" in his speech, ultimately waiving any penalty.
• Zak Brown strongly hinted McLaren will retain its 'papaya rules'—a strict policy of non-preferential treatment between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri—for the 2026 season, crediting it as key to their constructors' title success.
• Isack Hadjar, promoted to Red Bull for 2026, stated that accepting Verstappen's inherent speed will be crucial to his own survival and performance within the team.
• In an exclusive interview, Liam Lawson admitted it was "a bit of a relief" to have his 2026 seat with Racing Bulls confirmed, following a turbulent 2025 that saw him dropped by the senior Red Bull team after just two races.
• Max Verstappen, absent from the gala due to illness, sent a video message congratulating Norris and McLaren on their championship victory.

The big picture:

These stories collectively paint a picture of the off-track narratives shaping F1's immediate future. McLaren is institutionalizing a winning culture based on fairness, Red Bull is managing another high-pressure driver pairing, and the FIA is navigating the enforcement of its own regulations in the public eye. For drivers like Lawson and Hadjar, clarity on their 2026 roles allows them to focus fully on preparation, highlighting the critical importance of stability in a volatile driver market.