Verstappen Jabs at McLaren's 'Papaya Rules,' Claims Bigger Lead if He Drove for Them

Max Verstappen has humorously weighed in on McLaren’s much-discussed “papaya rules,” suggesting they wouldn't be an issue if he were driving for the team because "we wouldn’t be that close in points." The reigning world champion also joked that his father, Jos Verstappen, would swiftly handle any such team regulations if he were in charge.

Why it matters:

McLaren's internal team management policies, dubbed 'papaya rules,' have drawn attention following a contentious on-track incident between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen's comments highlight a broader philosophical debate in F1 regarding driver freedom versus team control, particularly when two teammates are closely matched. This discussion underscores the inherent tension between maximizing team points and allowing drivers to race freely.

The details:

• Singapore Incident: The 'papaya rules' came under scrutiny after Norris and Piastri made contact during the Singapore Grand Prix. McLaren held